This provocative question was posed to the Jewish community in the midst of World War Two. As the question suggests, the discussion concerned whether or not it was worth it for a Jew to face persecution and anti-semitism, when the option of assimilation was a viable option. Rabbi Levine needs to give a satisfying answer to his community; an answer that inspires hope in a community plagued by hardship. Levine’s hope comes in the form of a choice.

The sermon was given the title “The Perennial Jewish Question.” Considering the question perennial is an interesting interpretation of Jewish History, but it is nothing compared to the unique nature of Levine’s answer to the question.

Levine begins by describing that being a Jew is a choice. He asserts that assimilation of an individual is completely possible and that a Jewish individual can decide their identity. So, Levine does establish that a Jew can opt-out of being a Jew. Levine says that Jews can pick their affiliation and through their choice, pick their identity. Why does he start like this?

Because a racial identity is not a choice.

Levine is beginning his work of ensuring that Jews can move beyond a racial concept that would subject them to alienation and prejudice. If Jews are not a race then what are they? It takes Levine ten years to release an answer, but while interesting, it is not as relevant to the original question he presents.

Everyone is born into differences and embracing those differences makes the group more effective.

An individual is raised in a certain group of society and that upbringing clearly makes them unique. Whether Christian or Jew, the affiliation of an individual at birth is created by the affiliation of the parents. As Levine establishes these ideas he continues by saying that because of the preconceived conditions and attributes that are generated by unique upbringing, a group can become more effective if they incorporate the differences of these individuals. So, a groups success is directly related to their ability to embrace difference.

The specific “group” that Levine has in mind is America. Levine is equipping his congregation with the ability to field the answer to questions about Jewish difference is not only okay, but that the difference makes America better. Levine states that he does not have time for anyone trying to assimilate out of fear. Therefore, he is answering the question for non-Jews by giving his congregation tools to explain their value. So what are the necessary answers? Jews are Americans, Americans that make America better when they stay Jewish Americans rather than Assimilated Americans.