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# Gentile is a gentle word
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/gentile-is-a-gentle-word-editor/
- Published: 2006-12-25T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T23:25:56.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Rabbi Jeffrey A. Marx Santa Monica Synagogue*

A quick look at the dictionary will show Julia Reeves (“A disparaging word,” Dec. 18, page 4) that the term “gentile” has nothing linguistically to do with the term “infidel” (nonbeliever) nor is it used to express “superiority and denigration.”

“Gentile” is a neutral term to describe someone who is not Jewish. (Frankly, I think it is a more polite term than defining someone else as a “non” entity — i.e. non-Jews or non-Christians). Contrary to what Ms. Reeves proclaims, religious differences don’t have to be “polarizing.” Diversity can also be respectful. One can uphold one’s religion; one can elect to wear different clothes, eat different foods, worship in different ways and in a different language while honoring the uniqueness of other religions, as well.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 25, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/122506.pdf?ref=smdp.com)