boundaries

Seven American Jews have served on the Supreme Court of the United States of America.\n\nMake that eight — if you include Sandra Day O\’Connor.\n\nO\’Connor, who announced her retirement from the bench last week, isn\’t Jewish (you read it here first). But her legal opinions have had a profoundly positive effect on American Jewish life, which underscore the potential impact of the person President Bush nominates to replace her.\n\nAppreciation is pouring in for O\’Connor from streams of Judaism that rarely flow together. Orthodox groups have lauded her for her moderation, while more liberal denominations have praised her swing vote on issues dear to them.