You don't have to be Jewish....but it helps !

Thanks, David Brooks, for today's NYT reflection on the accomplishments of the Jewish people. OK, fine, no credit taken, none assumed, for the accident of birth. And the Nobel prospects for most of us---myself included---are slim. But...facts are facts: 0.2% of world population and 27% of Nobel physics laureates; 2% of US population and 38% of leading philanthropists. The myth of Jewish mothers nudging their sons and daughters to be doctors and professionals---hey, it's no joke.

The political point he makes is intriguing re: the benefits and risks to Israel of such a successful, highly mobile population. The 'myth' of the Wandering Jew persists in the new millenium.

You can find more of today's column here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/opinion/12brooks.html?ref=opinion