<p>Chedva, it's because of that history of the Jews in France and Germany that I asked the question. It's one I consider seriously. If America turned anti-Semitic, I guess I would leave -- I would have to, to survive. But the older I get, the more difficult that seems. I am amazed at our ancestors (or, for some of us, our grandparents or parents) who came to this country when they were 85 -- or, just as incredible, who came to this country when they were 15, by themselves. How in the world did they do that? </p>
<p>The lobster analogy is perfect. And that's why Original Poster asked her question -- is mentioning my Judaism going to turn the flame on under my pot of water? Or should I not mention it?</p>
<p>I agree with the posters here who said it is really really really not an issue in college admissions. It used to be, no question about it. That's why lots of brilliant Jews wound up going to City College of NY instead of Harvard or Yale, in the '30s or '40s. But times have changed in that regard: There was an article a few years ago in the Wall Street Journal about how Vanderbilt was trying to recruit Jewish students, as a way to improve their stats for incoming students. </p>
<p>But the issue of what it means for American Jews to identify as Jewish is so much more interesting.</p>