Although, as Norman once said to me—quoting an old line—“Philosemitism is the higher antisemitism.”
I don't agree. "Philosemitism" - thinking that Jewishness is a good thing, conceptually - doesn't preclude understanding that some Jewish people, just like some (fill in any) people, are rotters. It doesn't preclude understanding that some iterations or expressions of Jewishness, just like some iterations or expressions of (anything-ness) are pernicious.
Antisemitism is the opposite. It says that, regardless of how excellent an individual is, how obviously pro-social his concept and practice of Judaism are, even how completely disengaged from Judaism a person of Jewish heritage is, "Jewishness" makes that person a non-person who should be eradicated.
Jay, your remembrance of Mr. Podhoretz is excellent. I didn't want Parts ! or !! to end, and I'm disappointed you'll be concluding tomorrow. The stories about him and the people who were in his world are so interesting, and your writing, as usual, is - well, many adjectives apply, even if they don't capture it completely: smooth, entertaining, fun, informative, efficient, "easy on the eye" (if there is such a thing). Thank you!
Jay, you are very much appreciated. Thank you for all you do. Your writing is inspiring.
Thank you so much!
Although, as Norman once said to me—quoting an old line—“Philosemitism is the higher antisemitism.”
I don't agree. "Philosemitism" - thinking that Jewishness is a good thing, conceptually - doesn't preclude understanding that some Jewish people, just like some (fill in any) people, are rotters. It doesn't preclude understanding that some iterations or expressions of Jewishness, just like some iterations or expressions of (anything-ness) are pernicious.
Antisemitism is the opposite. It says that, regardless of how excellent an individual is, how obviously pro-social his concept and practice of Judaism are, even how completely disengaged from Judaism a person of Jewish heritage is, "Jewishness" makes that person a non-person who should be eradicated.
Jay, your remembrance of Mr. Podhoretz is excellent. I didn't want Parts ! or !! to end, and I'm disappointed you'll be concluding tomorrow. The stories about him and the people who were in his world are so interesting, and your writing, as usual, is - well, many adjectives apply, even if they don't capture it completely: smooth, entertaining, fun, informative, efficient, "easy on the eye" (if there is such a thing). Thank you!
Many thx, Bo. Truly.
"Incredibly" is by far the most overused word in the English. Must you contribute?
*language.