@gorillapaws Jews do clarify (when asked) whether they are religious or not. In America we even use words like reform, conservative, orthodox, or some people will use the term observant. The God part is tricky, because people can attend service at the synagogue and even observe some traditions and be atheist. Hard to guess, especially if they are reform Jews.
I think it’s similar to Catholics. Some are very religious. Some cafeteria. Some not religious at all, but raise their children still with CCD and confirmation. Although, it seems to me many Catholics feel if they become atheists they have to stop identifying as Catholic, while Jews don’t, because of the ethnicity factor. Maybe because most people have a national background they identify with like Italian or Irish, while Jews feel less ties to the old countries of their parents and grandparents, especially in America among the Ashkenazi.
Plus, people hate the Jews throughout time and group us all together. Even if we don’t want to be grouped, we realistically don’t have a lot of choice about it.
I’m saying I agree with you, but also trying to further explain.