How does Rosalind's Jewish identity shape her behavior and priorities throughout the book?

How does Rosalind's Jewish identity shape her behavior and priorities throughout the book? How are she and her family still contending with the events of World War II?

Rosalind's family lived comfortably and did not flaunt their wealth. They expected the women to participate in benevolent activities and to take care of family. They didn't want to stand out. Rosalind approached her life in the same way. Her science was her giving to society and she didn't want to stand out.

She didn't want to stand out but, if her studies weren't stolen she would have during her lifetime. She was so careful to be totally correct and without errors when she released her discoveries.

I agree with Navy Mom and think she expressed her ideas beautifully. Rosalind's Jewish culture had a great impact on her expectations of herself and her ability to focus on her work and less on awards and fame.

After WW2 Jewish people often tried to keep a low profile, traumatized by the experiences they either experienced or heard about in Europe. They did not want to stand out and become targets of anti-semitism - which was still rampant after the war. Those who could, let their charitable efforts speak for them. They had to be better. Rosalind was a woman and a Jew in a male, Christian dominated workplace. To be the "only" in two categories must have been so difficult. Her family, while not always understanding her choices, was where she was loved and they would always protect her.

Rosalind identifies as a Jew, but she does not hold to all the practices as her parents do. She honors their request to join them for a holiday if she can. But she would just as easily work in the lab if it were necessary due to time restraints. She is a scientist who thinks like a scientist. She needs proof to believe in something.

I'm not sure Rosalind's Jewish heritage had a lot to do with her devotion to science. I know of non-Jewish women of the time who acted much as Rosalind did - devoted themselves to a cause above all things and didn't draw attention to themselves.