Questions use of word

I find that calling Orthodox Jewish men and women “observant,” as in the Aug. 22 article about the writers group, subconsciously means that those persons who follow the tenets of Conservative, Reconstructionism, or Reform tenets of Judaism are felt to be “less Jewish” even though many of these individuals “observe” their rules of faith as religiously as do Orthodox Jews.

I wish to propose for your consideration using a more specific and defining adjective to be used with the word “Orthodox” rather than “observant.”

Ken Hoffman

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Teaneck

The editors respond: Calling Orthodox Jews observant does not call into question the observance of other Jewish groups. As for the writer’s request for “a more specific and defining adjective,” we are open to suggestion.