Can anyone tell me what the difference between a Jewish person and a "regular" white person.?

Question

I have watched many tv shows and read many books to where someone was discriminated against based on the fact they were Jewish or looked like a jewish person. But honestly I can't tell the difference. Let me know.

I appreciate everyone's comments but I am mainly asking for my own curoisity. Personally, I don't see a difference, and don't care but it often baffled me about how others could.

Answer 1

In this context, "regular" refers to a caucasian of Anglo-Saxon heritage, rather than of Jewish ethnicity.

Jewish can refer to either a religion or a racial heritage...or both. As always, interpretation is based upon context.

Regarding your question about physical traits, it's always dangerous to generalize. Many times, Jews cannot be distinguished from Anglo-Saxons at all.

However, Middle-Eastern physical tendencies might include dark and/or curlier hair, darker pigmented skin, and typical (distinct) facial and nasal bone structure.

Answer 2

This is actually somewhat hard to answer succinctly, but I'll try.

Judaism is a religion. It comes from an area now known as the middle east, more specifically along the Gaza Strip, and Israel. In the bible, all israelites who worshiped Jehova (sorry, I don't know the hebrew spelling), were under the Jewish faith. It has, of course, evolved since then, but Judaism is still a religion.

This religion has spread all around the world, and is very big in poland, germany, the U.S., and obviously parts of the middle east still. Typically when someone is referring to a "Jew" in a derogatory manner, they are referring to the generalized idea of a Jewish person, that is, someone who follows Judaism. Many people also relate specific physical characteristics with "jews" because a large number of polish and german jews, as well as middle eastern jews have similar characteristics. These are wide generalizations, but some are often true. Large noses, dark hair, faces that show expression well (show emotion well), etc. There are a lot of other assumptions about this side of things, but you get the idea.

The primary prejudice or cultralist stance though is simply against the religion as a whole, and those that follow it.

Answer 3

From your other questions...you sound like a very young adult.

However, in your naive little way....you are correct.

There is no difference between Jewish and White People....just as there is no difference between Black, White, Red or Green People.

People are People. Don't look for differences and you won't find them.

You don't say what book you are reading but many people have been persecuted over time, especially during war-time because they 'look' a certain way, or believe in a certain religion.

It's a very sad situation what we "people" do to other "people".

Keep reading and Keep asking. There is no such thing as a "stupid" question.

That is how we all learn, Sweetie.

Answer 4

I think it may be politically incorrect to refer to 'Jewish' as a race. Many people object to Hitler's doing so. Nonetheless, there are some distinctions. First and most popular is the big nose. Next, Jews generally have darker hair, frequently very curly. There are other features and clothing that more orthodox Jews wear, but these are the most significant traits to look for. You also just have to get a feel for it. Keep in mind these are generalizations, not always true.

Answer 5

Jewish people are descendents of Abraham, a prophet and the Father of Faith, whom you could read about in the Bible.*

Skin color isn't the prerequisite for Judaism, (which has more to do with faith than race.) There are all colors of Jewish people...some whose roots come from Eastern Europe, some from Israel, from Spain, and even from Ethiopia.

Then there are also "grafted in" Jews who are Jews not by blood but by faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.**

Lastly, there are Messianic or "Completed" Jews who have the most awesome and highly desirable heritage of all!

But they can all be any skin-color. If they serve and Love the God of Israel - that is what counts!

Answer 6

Your question can't be answered. There's no such thing as a regular white person and how can you say what nationality a religion should be. Caucasians come from northern nations. The tribe of Israel is of Arab blood, as the seeds of both peoples Arab and Jew come from Abraham. They are like brothers fighting all the time only now they have weapons that can kill us all. You would think that over these many thousands of years they could be family again. Ha That's funny I don't care who you are.

Answer 7

I asked my dentist this same question as he is Jewish, and apparently I have learned that a lot of my friends have Jewish in them.... so this is my understanding, A Jew is both a race and a religion. So there are Jews who are religious Jews and there are Jews who are the race of Jews (who I think looks white at least from my friends, but I think they are only part) Then of course you have Jews who are both Jews by race and religion. Jesus was a Jew by race I think. Hope that helps,

Answer 8

Judaism is a religion, not a race. However, some Jewish people do have particular traits that are noticeable. It's easier to pick out a Jewish male because of his beard - and his circumcized penis despite the fact that it's not just Jew's that are circumcized.

Answer 9

Actually, being Jewish is a race and a religion. However, it's hard to tell. Some people can tell by the last name Rosenberg, Schwartz, Cohen come to mind. Sometimes, you just can't tell.

Answer 10

Jewish people are not white. The are there one race. There hair is more coarse and their skin is a more olive color. To the guy who said nothing it is just a religion he is an idiot. We are not just another religon. I am sure there are white people who have converted to the religon but all jews are not just white people