READER RESPONSE TO ARTICLE BY DOV BURT LEVY

Should Jews flaunt their achievements?
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Damned if we do, damned if we don't


Editor, San Diego Jewish World

Dov Burt Levy wrote:

"So, dear reader, let me join Rabbi Wohlberg in asking what you think? Lie low or flaunt it? Are such prominent declarations of Jewish achievement, including wealth and success, good for the Jewish community or not? "


As one of the readers to whom you have appealed for comment let me suggest that history seems to suggest that we are damned if we do and damned if we don't.

Just for once I wish that we were the "Chosen People" for some reason other than being chosen as victims!

Peter Garas, Canberra, Australia
January 28, 2008, 9:49 a.m.
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It depends on the manner and the intent

Editor, San Diego Jewish World

I’d say that the problem is not in the flaunting - it’s in how it is flaunted; both manner and intent.  In addition, it depends upon whether it is “in house” flaunting or “out house” flaunting. If “in  house” - let’s enjoy.  If “out house” - the result might be - well, consider the locale. 

When it comes to “out house” flaunting, let’s face it we probably all do it, its much too tempting not to.  However, the pleasure we derive is generally short lived, whilst the anger or angst we might provoke probably lasts much longer.  It’s one thing to flaunt, it’s quite another to flaunt comparatively.  Saying “my grandchild is a genius” is not quite as egregious as “my grandchild is a genius and yours is not.”  But, even when unintended, that’s often the subliminal message.  The danger is that flaunting is on the edge of taunting.

I had a friend who was always telling everyone she met how special her infant daughter was.  When someone mentioned to her that everyone’s child was special, she replied “But mine is really special.”  This didn’t get her plaudits; it got her rolled eyes and sighs - and people learned to go to great lengths to avoid talking about her daughter.  (Which is a shame; she really is a nice kid.)

The way I read the Commandment against coveting also includes the reverse - don’t cause someone else to covet -or feel inferior.  I think there’s a significant difference between flaunting and presenting a fact.  If someone asks “where were barcodes invented?” and the answer is “In Israel” - that is quite different than offering the fact without there first being the question.  Or worse yet, responding with: “what have you invented lately?”

How many Jews have won Nobel prizes is something we all treasure - but the fact doesn’t have to be given comparatively with - say - how many Muslims have won those prizes.  That engenders anger and anger trumps respect.  The fact itself will become obvious, it doesn’t need pushing.

Have I flaunted the Nobel Prizes won by Jews?  Absolutely - but only when asked or to clear up some inaccurate statement.  Anyone who is worldly aware enough to be impressed by the number of Jews in the Nobel ranks, already knows it.

The idea of a “Chosen People” is not singular to Jews - almost every indigenous group felt that way and the land they lived on was the “Promised Land.”  What is unique about our history is how long we have been culturally identifiable and how many cultures and religions we have influenced.  And, that we view “choseness” as an obligation, not an Oscar for a winning performance. It is also amazing that we are still here.  Makes the winning of Nobel prizes seem almost trivial. 

We don’t need to flaunt that we are still here - just being here tells the story.

Sheila Orysiek, San Diego
January 28, 2008, 9:37 a.m.