Quote Originally Posted by rasoforos View Post
The assimilation argument is weak...

...We avoided assimilation and we didn't have to chop bits of our anaconda off or stop eating gyros...
no its been the thing which has kept us apart form the others. why do you think so many reform/conservative jews have lost most/all connections with judaism? they dont keep kosher. look at the pagan religions. they died out, they didnt keep kosher.
the reason why judaism has gone on for so many ages is because G-D told us to remain separate from the others. not all separate, but mostly. of course, there are extremes, like the ultra-orthodox, who close themselves off in a bubble from the outside world.
i am what is known as Modern Orthodox. we maintain a healthy connection with the outside world, yet are still orthodox in our religious beliefs.
maybe a thread explaining judaism is in order?