Can a nice Italian girl pass for Jewish?

Question

Ok, so the thing is I had a job interview yesterday. I have been forewarned (3 different people) that this boss is rather "pro semite", meaning she prefers to hire Jewish people (even though the job has nothing to do w/ being Jewish).

Sure enough, during my interview, she asked me if I celebrated Hannukah (in August?) and I told her "yes, I did last year."
(which is true, because my boyfriend is Jewish, and we did. Also, if we get married, I will have to convert.)
Secondly, when she saw which college I went to, she said "oh, XXX, what a great school and so many great Jewish programs" to which I responded "Yes, I love XXXXXXX (the school)."

I also sort of hid my cross under my shirt. (I don't wear it every day and I am not very religious but I thought I might as well hedge my bets right?)

so I would like to know: do you think she believed I was Jewish? I am going to hear from her next week & I really need this job. Thanks!

ps my last name is not obviously Italian, it's my momma that's Italian.

Answer 1

She probably just says stuff like that too weed out the liars who will agree with anything she says in the interview...hmmm, just like you!

Answer 2

Unlike the morons out there who think so, there is no typical "Jewish" or "Italian" look - depends on what part of the world a Jew's family came from or what part of Italy an Italian's family came from (you know this already, right?). I had an Irish friend who I couldn't have guessed was Jewish in a million years.

You could get away with it only for a short time because sooner or later, when they talk about Mitzvah, the Talmud, Oy Vey, sitting Shiva, asking you about seder, orthodox versus conservative versus reformed, difference in customs, your ignorance on any of these (even if slight) will slip you up and out you, so they're gonna be angry at your deception and you'll be in more trouble than it's worth.

You need to say that you have this great empathy for Jews and that your boyfriend is and that you're going to convert after marriage (or before??) and that you were afraid to tell them before because you could sense how important it was to them and didn't want to let hem down and maybe something like you wish you were Jewish already (but don't lie). I think the prospective boss would be impressed - I know I would. Shalom (from a goy who was married to a Jew until she died.) Be ethical in this - trust me.

Answer 3

I would think that your last name would give you away. It is illegal to hire based on religion (unless your a nun), sex or creed. You have not actually told the employer that you are Jewish so take the job and hope for the best. If the truth comes out and you are dismissed then I believe you have legal status for a suit. In the mean time enjoy your Jewish holidays and don't be surprised if you work over Christmas.

Answer 4

Yes, many Italians and Jews, especially the better looking ones, do look alike. Although sometimes I suppose it's necessary to stretch the truth while getting a job, it's always better in life to be honest as possible. That way, you'll never get caught in a fib or in the proverbial "tangled web."

If you can stretch the truth that you're Jewish (because of some particular beliefs, customs you practice, ect), then at least you can be telling the truth.

Answer 5

This is so wrong on so many levels. I understand that you need the job but do you really want to work for someone like that?
What if she finds out that you are not Jewish?
Are you going to be in fear of loosing your job the whole time you work there?
What if you and your boy friend break up and you end up dating a baptist or a catholic or a Mormon. Do you still have to pretend to be Jewish?

I wouldn't take the job if I were you and I would report the woman.

Answer 6

OMG that is messed up!
My bf had a job at Starbucks in Seattle once and he was chastised for NOT being gay - that is discrimination, so is what happened to you.
FYI, you do NOT have to convert to anything if you don't want to! How can you convert to something you do not fully believe in??
I was brought up Jewish, and I refused to to convert because I have always been skeptical about all religion and spiritual thinking.
My rabbi TOTALLY understood and was even proud that I did not have a bat mitzvah because I was being true to myself.
Try to be honest with yourself and all prospective employers. There will be other job opportunities.
You will be happier in the long run if you are true to yourself. :)))
Good luck!

Answer 7

You might be able to pass but why start with a lie? Be honest, tell her you do celebrate the Jewish holidays because you are in process of converting for your future husband. You may get a friend who will help you study or do something to surprise your future Mother-in-Law.

Answer 8

I would suppose that you probably did. I hope that you did not actually claim to be Jewish -- that would be a mis-representation, and you could be dismissed if it were discovered. I don't much approve of the mis-representation, but I approve even less of the interviewer's bias. A smart boss hires the best people he can find, irrespective of distractions such as religion.

Answer 9

Hey, Ican pass as either an American, Polac, German, or even English... the only thing is my name because I'm Puertorican.
I know that we shouldn't lie about our origin but you should hold on until you get the job and then **** it, if he fires you sue him for racism . The world is hipocrite enough, so you should be able to play the same game once in a while. Good luck!

Answer 10

If you dont get the job sue her for discrimination adn if you do get the job tell her afterwards that your not jewish and if she fires you thats definately a lawsuit you will win. So the way I look at it either you have a job or have a lawsuit.

Answer 11

exciting spin on an old difficulty. If the organisation you interviewed with is in the U.S., that's a criminal offense to discriminate adversarial to a job candidate on the concept of religion. more beneficial than that -- that's unlawful even to ask about faith in a job interview. And about age, marital status, type of toddlers, disabilities and larger. some interviewers attempt to get around the age question by using asking an applicant even as they graduated from intense college. it is also unlawful, because the date ought to nicely be used to calculate an approximate age. except you suggested something about being Jewish, it also turned right into a criminal offense to ask in case you celebrated Hanukkah, because that's in protecting with a particular faith. (And, by using the way, Hanukkah, is oftentimes in Novermber or December.) in case you do not get the pastime, and in case you believe it changed into in protecting with your not being Jewish, you may rfile the corporation for your interior of sight equivalent Employment danger fee. yet, except for all that... why ought to you want to "bypass" for something that you're literally not?