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Ask JTF For June 10 Broadcast

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Ehud:
Shalom Chaim.  I enjoy ASK JTF immensely and I look forward to hearing it every week.

I know that JTF doesn't believe that Jews constitute an ethnicity but I disagree with it.  I've read genetic studies, one of which said that we have largely maintained our ethnicity throughout the diaspora, and that Ashkenazim, Sfaradim and Mizrachim are genetically much closer to each other than any to the peoples they were surrounded by.  Also, each Jew except Ethiopans can trace their origin to a small number of common females in the middle east.  Many Jews, especially in the United States, believe that being Jewish only has to do with religion and that if one doesn't follow Judaism they can cease to be one.  I've heard Jews who said that they are not Jewish but their parents are and they are atheist.  I've known many who have espoused this position and my second cousins, who have a Jewish mother, do not consider themselves to be Jewish because their mother never told them what being Jewish really means.  (they're French)  My question is that given the Jewish identity crisis, isn't it very dangerous for Jews to believe that they are not an ethnicity because it makes it easy for them to think that they are not Jewish if they don't follow Judaism?

Thank You Chaim

Mishmaat:
B"H

Chaim, has your opinion on Ann Coulter changed? If so, why?

Ari:
Hello Dear Chaim,

Hope all is well.  You and Jimmy and everyone in the forum are doing a great job on YouTube.  I have told everyone I know about the videos and to check them out.  I think it's a wise departure from QPTV.  Not only will you have a bigger audience, you hopefully you won't have any more affirmitive action problems.

My question for the week is about children.  I agree with you that having kids is one of life's blessings, but I was wondering if you think all people should really have children.  Of course, like you I am pro-life and against abortion, but if a responsible person is deciding whether or not to have kids, don't you think he or she should consider such things as their financial situation, whether or not they would be a good parent, any diseases or conditions that could be passed along, whether the child would be happy, etc., before deciding to have children?  I think these are really important factors to consider before making a lifetime committment and bringing a child into this world.  Thanks for all your great work as always.  All the best.

Ari

TheCoon:
Good evening Chaim,

There is a lot of heated discussion about Rav Ovadia Yosef on the forum. I understand his halachic decisions need to be obeyed by Jews and respect that and would never question him on them, but several posters have said that even his politics cannot be questioned. Comments have been made that any gentile who questions Rav Yosef should burn in hell, etc. I vehemently disagree with past political decisions he's made to give away land for so-called peace. Where does JTF stand on this? I understand the need to be respectful to a great talmudic tzaddik but are his politics not fair game in a respectful manner?

Thank you and good night.

Gam Bashan veGam Gilad:
Hello dear Chaim, :)

Could you please refer to the recent headlines about the incident between president Bush and president Putin that brought up again the "everlasting tension" between both countries?

Do you believe it was only a local misunderstanding, or is it a clear symptom to a wider pandora-box which only proves that the older tension between United States and former Soviet Union still lives?


Thank you and Shavu'a Tov! :-)

Gam Bashan.

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