did not apply to Catholics (a family friend was both Jewish by blood AND choice but their husband was born to Catholic parents but not a follower of the faith). I think my perplexed parents trying to explain this to us were probably lucky we didn't have an Arab Muslim and likewise a Coptic Christian in the neighborhood to further the confusion.

But, I think this thing with Whoopi underscores that many Americans and particularly African Americans, may view this in a uniquely American perspective if they are not well versed in the 3500 years of history nor well-educated on the past two centuries of European history. And not being well informed/educated on history is once again a major problem for us and only underscores my sig line quote.

But, I appreciate your more contemporary irony.

And for your friend, a thank you to Israel & Jewish law.

I wasn't raised anywhere near the Jewish faith & practices, though I have always held a particular respect & affinity for their unity.& bond within their faith.
Though I too am of Jewish blood, was never given the opportunity to participate in the faith & practices, simply by the path of my family.

I do also know the decision to leave one's faith they were raised with, however.

I never knew my grandparents, aunts, uncles…they died in Auschwitz, Hitler’s victims…I am Jewish, ethnically and culturally, but I am not religious…my late husband was “half Jewish”…his mother was Baptist (she never converted)… my mother-in-law made the conscious decision to follow her husband’s faith and in doing so, she and her son were much “better Jews” than I will ever be…both my children married non-Jews..my five grandchildren were raised without a faith and yet they all identify as Jewish…my oldest granddaughter says it’s a DNA thing..my college age grandson, a member of a predominantly Jewish fraternity, is quick to anger when told he doesn’t “look” Jewish..his response: “I am a Jew and I have the bona-fides to prove it…I am the great great grandson of Auschwitz survivors so stfu asshole”!…