Does This Mean You’re, Like Totally Orthodox?

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
SHORT, SERIOUS ANSWER: Either, “Yup, totally Orthodox!” Or “I keep kosher, but of the three main levels of Judaism, Orthodox, Conservative and Reform, I’d consider myself…” whichever the case may be.
MORE EFFECTIVE RETORT: “Yeah, I keep kosher and many people who keep kosher don’t pray nine times a day or have curly sideburns.” Again, Nemko says levity and brevity are key to responding, especially if the question feels rather accusatory. Acknowledging the image they may have in their heads and including it in your response cuts through the tension.
CONCISE COMEBACK: “Lobster, shmobster. It’s just food.”
3. You can’t eat pepperoni pizza?
Click for your answer options.
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
