I am Jewish, but not particularly observant. My ties to Judaism are more cultural and intellectual than "religious." This is why Leo Rosten's The Joys of Yiddish was so important to my development. Rosten's humor and deep respect for the everyday culture of the Ashkenazi Jews of Europe both reminded me where I came from and how I could express myself as a Jewish American.

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"And the doctor says my Marvin is suffering from an Oedipus complex.”

“Oedipus-Schmoedipus,” scoffed her neighbour, “so long as he loves his mother!”