Jewish guilt remains long after the religion has left. But you said “had”, so you got past it... by the way Jewish guilt is no different than Catholic guilt or any other kind... let it go, see it as a cloud passing your vision and let it pass, as soon as you try and push it away it’s got you

Can't say I had one. Somehow I got out of Hebrew School. Later regretted it. Was cut out of all the other kids parties-social outcast.

Like you, I appreciated most the cultural connection. I liked the party and the presents. Otherwise I didn't like memorizing the Torah and Haftorah and didn't understand what all the fuss was about.

I`m not Jewish but my daughter is. She had her bat mitzvah 8 years ago. By that time she already had told me she didn't believe in god. I said that if she wanted to call it off I would back her 100%. However the party and all the presents outweighed any ethical considerations