To distinguish the religious act of political fact, in order to love the Jews without being obliged to accept the political strategy of the Israeli state, this book provides essential keys. Shlomo Sand poses the bold question: "what is a secular Jew?" And provides valuable response elements, drawn from the history, put in perspective. Beyond its melancholy conclusion, the book opens wide debate about what makes culture, in other words, what common traits of civilization need men to join a membership group.