Deep in the heart of both critical Christian and alienated Jew, there is : a feeling, not even a feeling, a shadow of a notion, nothing more substantial than the pointless but compelling impulse to knock on wood when one talks of the health of children-something that says there is more to Jews than meets the eye.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- There is an intangible spiritual depth within Jewish identity that feels like an instinctual ritual.
- In plain terms
- Jewish identity has a deep feeling like knocking on wood.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize the instinctual spiritual depth in cultural identity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What drives ritual without belief?
- How does culture shape intuition?
Another view
Not everyone feels this specific spiritual impulse.
More from Herman Wouk
There is a mystery about the Jews : and within this mystery lies the reason for the folk pride of the house of Abraham. This pride exists despite the disabilit…
Permalink to quote #6 I learned about machinery, I learned how men behaved under pressure, and I learned about Americans.
Permalink to quote #8 This is an excellent martini-sort of tastes like it isn't there at all, just a cold cloud.
Permalink to quote #5
Related quotes
Both before and after a meal, a pious Jew ritually washes his hands, uttering a special blessing. On one of these two occasions he is worshiping God, by promot…
Israel ShahakIsrael Shahak quote #6 Judaism reognized the home as being a co-partner with the synagogue in the nurturing of spirituality, and accorded the woman, as primary home-maker, the greate…
Jeffrey CohenJeffrey Cohen quote #3 I was persuaded and am, that God's way is first to turn a soul from its idols, both of heart, worship, and conversation, before it is capable of worship to the…
Roger WilliamsRoger Williams quote #5