Why I am a Jew in the 21st Century

In the face of Jewish supremacism in Israel and Diaspora Jews turning away from Zionism, DANNY SCHIFF suggests an updated take on Jewish principles.

Almost 100 years ago, French Jewish writer Edmond Fleg drafted a personal statement that became a manifesto for 20^th Century Judaism.

Why I am a Jew, published in 1928, provided a humanistic vision for contemporary Jewish thinking that enabled Jews to embrace universalism and rationality in the context of a continuing commitment to Jewish history, values and faith. It will be familiar to many readers.

I am a Jew because born of Israel and having lost it, I feel it revive within me more alive than I am myself.

I am a Jew because born of Israel and having found it again, I would have it live after me even more alive that it is within me.

I am a Jew because the faith of Israel requires no abdication of my mind.

I am a Jew because the faith of Israel asks any possible sacrifice of my soul.

I am a Jew because in all places where there are tears and suffering the Jew weeps.

I am a Jew because the message of Israel is the most ancient and the most modern.

I am a Jew because Israel’s promise is a universal promise.

I am a Jew because for Israel the world is not finished; men will complete it.

I am a Jew because for Israel man is not yet completed; men are completing him.

I am a Jew because Israel places Man and his unity above nations and above Israel itself.

I am a Jew because above Man, the image of the Divine Unity, Israel places the unity which is divine.