On April 22, just before Passover, the Tribune Commentary page published two pieces by Jewish writers. Roya Hakakian wrote a moving recollection of the Passover Seder while growing up in Iran.
Her experiences put a modern meaning to the Jewish experience of slavery, freedom and Passover.
Opposite this piece was a commentary by Jeff Libman, who asserts that “what really makes us Jewish” are guilt and food.
Libman goes on to describe his childhood family’s pork-eating exploits. While attempting to be humorous, Libman paints an offensive stereotype of the modern American Jew. Imagine the uproar if a Muslim or Christian denigrated his religion in this fashion.
Libman should keep his dietary habits to himself. He should spend his time reading Hakakian’s article to better understand what really makes us Jewish.
