| A lot of it comes from the romantic form of 19th century nationalism. The Jews were a persistent and successful national minority among the European nations, and although many wanted to join in as good French or Germans or whatever, there was a persistent sense among some people that they were not part of the People, who had ethnic as well as linguistic bonds. With an already existing strand of anti- Jewish sentiment consequent upon the rejection of Christ, the racial form of anti- semitism became quite potent. It was exacerbated by economic change, as small shop keepers suffered under the emerging efficiencies of department stores and supermarkets, which were often Jewish run, and as feelings against financiers ran high, since many banking families were Jewish. (At one time, Christians could not lend money, so it became a Jewish business for a time). Anyway, there are comparatively few Orthodox Jews, and even fewer fundamentalists (Modern Orthodoxy is fairly sophisticated). In the United States, most Jews are secular or Reform, although there are a fair number of Conservative (semi- Orthodox) Jews. In Israel, many Jews are secular. Many are somewhat observant, going to synagogue on certain holidays, but not regularly, like Easter Catholics. Despite the influence of the religious parties, few are fundamentalist..... |
