By Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried

Dear Readers,
I have a challenge for you. Imagine a Jewish young professional approached you and told you that for convenience, business, dating and general freedom the person is seriously considering opting out of considering themselves Jewish. Before doing so, the person decided to first ask around to see if there is any compelling reason to — despite the potential inconvenience — remain Jewish.
What would you say is the compelling reason to remain Jewish? Why, in fact, are you Jewish?
Please email your answers to me directly or through the TJP. I’m looking forward to your responses before I offer mine! (And I look forward to sharing those that will benefit the readers.)
Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried, noted scholar and author of numerous works on Jewish law, philosophy and Talmud, is founder and dean of DATA, the Dallas Kollel. Questions can be sent to him at yfried@sbcglobal.net.