1. The formal side. Orthodox and Conservative Jews define being Jewish as being the son of a Jewish mother. Reform Jews accept as Jewish anyone who is the son of a Jewish mother or father. All three accept as Jewish anyone who has converted to Judaism according to the rules of each, although the Orthodox do not accept conversions from the other two. In 1950, the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, enacted the Law of Return, which gives every Jew the right to live in Israel and become a citizen. In 1970, for the purposes of that same law, it defined as Jewish anyone who has a Jewish mother or maternal grandmother, who has Jewish ancestry, such as a Jewish father or grandfather, or who converted to Judaism according to the rules of one of the three denominations, the Orthodox, the Conservative or the Reform. The conversion process of the latter two is only accepted if it was done outside of Israel.

2. The practical side. The practice of Judaism has many facets that are expressed in everyday activities, in doing something with Jewish content in a given place and at a given time. Observing religious commandments and customs is the most obvious. But religious observance is not the only path in the practice of Judaism. Working in Jewish institutions is another path. The study of Jewish philosophy, history, religion and art is also a facet of its practice. Reading, listening to music, appreciating Jewish works of art is also a facet of its practice. Speaking Hebrew, Yiddish or Ladino is also a facet of its practice. Keeping up with the news of what is happening in Israel and in the Jewish world is also a facet of its practice. Participating in activities with Jewish content, such as being part of a choir, a dance group, a study group, is also a facet of its practice. Cooking typical Jewish dishes is also a facet of its practice. Conducting an ethical conduct, according to the principles that the Torah sets for us and performing actions of Tikun Olam, is also practicing Judaism. In short, the list is very long. And each one can choose the type and frequency of his Jewish practice.

3. The sentimental side. Feeling Jewish is the third side of the triangle of identity. It is expressed in our feeling for everything Jewish. It is the happiness that comes from celebrating events such as a brith mila, a wedding, a bat mitzvah, a family seder of Pesach, a Kabbalat Shabbat in community, etc. It is the pain that we feel when there is a war in Israel, a terrorist incident, a condemnation of Israel in international forums, discrimination against Jews of any kind. It is also the feeling of pride that comes from Israel’s technological achievements, those of Jewish scientists and academics around the world, the creativity of Jewish writers, artists and musicians, the performance of Jews in all spheres of human endeavor. And it is also the feeling of shame when a Jew behaves in a reprehensible manner. In short, it is when feeling Jewish becomes that spiritual path that fills your soul.

The triangle is the most solid geometric figure. Well integrated, it is difficult to break it. The same happens with Judaism. Being Jewish by definition, by action and by feeling is the triangle of a solid Jewish identity. If you are missing one side, your Judaism is not stable. Your identity is lost.

By Marcos Gojman, based on the theory of Formal Axiology by Robert S. Hartman.