Are Jews different? Why have they so influenced civilization, and why is their presence so strongly felt as we begin the twenty-first century? Why, as Mark Twain asks, have Jews had an impact on the world so out of proportion to their numbers? Seeking answers to these controversial questions, over a six-year period Mihai and Elvira Nadin distributed questionnaires, initiated telephone and Internet contacts, and otherwise interviewed thousands of Jews worldwidefrom Hollywood to Istanbul, from Bremen to Lusakaand asked quite pointedly, Does being Jewish make a difference in your life? Their respondentsdistinguished writers, scientists, artists, and politicians as well as average hard-working Jewssome old, some young; some highly observant, some completely unaffiliatedprovided answers that are variously eloquent, inspiring, poignant, and provocative: Actor Edward Asner: If we cease to function as an outsider, as a prodder, as a reminder to the world that we can be and are different, I wonder how long we can survive. South African parliamentarian Helen Suzman: Many of the values to which I have always adhered could be closely correlated with the Jewish ethos.These values include consistency, principles, rule of law, and simple justice. Television journalist Mike Wallace: Being Jewishfor meis a matter of some pride, for I believe Im an inheritor of a remarkable ethnic gene pool. U. S. senator from Connecticut Joseph I. Lieberman: God gave us a purpose and a destinyto do justice and to protect, indeed to perfect, the human community Concentration camp survivor Helen Luksenberg: We, the Jewish people, are dedicated to the well-being of anyone who is oppressed. . . . A Jew does not live only for himself.
In Jewish: Does It Make a Difference? the Nadins present over two hundred incisive responses to the vital question posed in the title of this work. These statements of belief will inspire you to ask questions about yourself that you never asked before.
