In What is a Jew? a book* I’ve had those who are considering choosing Judaism read, there is a wonderful sentence, “Students of religion who enjoy arranging the dogma of the various creeds into neat, clearly defined categories are inevitably frustrated by Judaism, for Judaism eludes a simple definition.” On the one hand the truth of this statement can make a cradle Jew Meshuggah, how much the more so someone thinking about conversion. But it may be that very thing drawing people to Judaism. Those who have been strictly raised in belief and behavior look to a more open approach to religion which they find in Judaism.

I believe that many things have kept us in the spotlight for centuries upon centuries, and that our approach to creed is among them. When we say, “Ten Jews, Eleven opinions,” we’re not kidding. Something which is theologically attractive to one might be theologically objectionable to another, and yet both are free to call themselves Jews.

We know the story of the spouse of a rabbi who hears both a husband and wife independently telling the rabbi their complaints. “You’re right!” said the rabbi to the husband, and when the rabbi hears the wife’s complaint tells us, “You’re right!” When the rabbi’s spouse questions how both the husband and wife can be correct, the rabbi responds, “You’re right, too!” But I can tell you that at times the same question might get a “Yes” from me…or a “No.”

Even the subject of “God” is not black and white. To be Jewish you need not believe in God, but I maintain that most people have one idea of what God is all about without appreciating the wide range of concepts we’ve always had. Often one of those is appealing to the questioner.

Remember, ten Jews, eleven opinions!

(*written by Rabbi Morris Kertzer, updated by Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman)