I posted an essay yesterday on FireDogLake entitled "An American Jewess In Israel: Reflections on War, Peace and Justice in the Middle East". In the title I termed myself a Jewess without giving the word much thought. Had I been asked, prior to publishing the essay, to reflect on my choice of that word I would have said that I was probably unconsciously echoing my parents' usage, trying in my own way to *be* the good Jewess they often urged and encouraged me to be. I'm certain the term never held pejorative weight for them. My father said "good Jewess" to connote any lovely and upstanding woman in our community. A good Jewess, Mom and Dad gave me to understand, comported herself at all times like a lady, was ever a dutiful daughter and a diligent scholar, was socially conscious and active in taking a stand against social injustices, she would be the source of much nachas and joy for her family and community. She would naturally in time become a good wife, a loving and protective mother... and boy, could she cook! A lot to live up to, but I strove for it all. My use of the word Jewess on FDL immediately sparked controversy. The debate about whether the term is derogatory or not may rage on, but I myself am not a bit ashamed of it. I love being female, Jewish, and I'm glad I used this somewhat literary, archaic, and spark-igniting word and made it my own. Kudos to all Jewesses With Attitude! I'm glad to know you're out here.
I posted an essay yesterday on FireDogLake entitled "An American Jewess In Israel: Reflections on War, Peace and Justice in the Middle East". In the title I termed myself a Jewess without giving the word much thought. Had I been asked, prior to publishing the essay, to reflect on my choice of that word I would have said that I was probably unconsciously echoing my parents' usage, trying in my own way to *be* the good Jewess they often urged and encouraged me to be. I'm certain the term never held pejorative weight for them. My father said "good Jewess" to connote any lovely and upstanding woman in our community. A good Jewess, Mom and Dad gave me to understand, comported herself at all times like a lady, was ever a dutiful daughter and a diligent scholar, was socially conscious and active in taking a stand against social injustices, she would be the source of much nachas and joy for her family and community. She would naturally in time become a good wife, a loving and protective mother... and boy, could she cook! A lot to live up to, but I strove for it all. My use of the word Jewess on FDL immediately sparked controversy. The debate about whether the term is derogatory or not may rage on, but I myself am not a bit ashamed of it. I love being female, Jewish, and I'm glad I used this somewhat literary, archaic, and spark-igniting word and made it my own. Kudos to all Jewesses With Attitude! I'm glad to know you're out here.