Study: Young U.S. Jews most comfortable when surrounded by non-Jews
U.S. Jews are interested in attending Jewish events - provided they are offered outside Jewish venues.
By The Forward and Gabriel Sanders Tags: US Jewish WorldIn a groundbreaking study released last spring, social scientists Steven M. Cohen and Ari Kelman reached a novel and, for some, startling conclusion: Far from being indifferent to Jewish cultural life, young unaffiliated Jews are actually quite interested in attending Jewish events - provided they are being offered outside the walls of Jewish venues. Young Jews, the two provocatively argued, are most comfortable being Jewish when surrounded by non-Jews.
The study has prompted some Jewish cultural programmers to rethink their outreach efforts, with many synagogues and Jewish community centers now looking to off-site bars and clubs in their quest to lure the young and unaffiliated.
One nascent institution, however, seems to have missed the memo. When it opens its doors in June 2008, San Francisco's Contemporary Jewish Museum will have as one of its target audiences the very demographic that Cohen and Kelman describe. Indeed, in the Bay Area, with its deeply assimilated Jewish community, the cultural preferences of the young and unaffiliated can perhaps be applied to the Jewish community as a whole. And yet, here is an ambitious new institution loudly proclaiming its Jewishness while at the same time trying to cater to both ambivalent Jews and the museum-going public as a whole. A miscalculation? Maybe. Then again, perhaps the museum's organizers have understood Cohen and Kelman's message more completely than anyone else.
When Connie Wolf, the Contemporary Jewish Museum's director, discusses the institution she's building, her governing theme is novelty. "We're taking the best of what's out there," she told the Forward, "and creating a new paradigm." In Wolf's telling, the CJM is doing nothing short of erecting a new species of Jewish institution.
The museum, she said, will be distinct on a number of counts. For one, it will be a museum without a permanent collection. "This," Wolf said, "allows us to be more nimble and responsive." The institution, Wolf stressed, will be alone among Jewish museums in having the word "contemporary" in its name. It will also be distinguished by its centrality. Unlike in New York, where the two Jewish museums are on Manhattan's periphery - one uptown, one downtown - the CJM will be smack in the middle of the city's cultural district, perfectly situated to draw in curious passersby.
But most distinctive of all will be the museum's Daniel Libeskind-designed building. When the museum, which was founded in 1984, selected Libeskind to design its future home in 1998, the architect was not yet the superstar he is today. His Berlin Jewish Museum - now the most visited museum in all of Germany - was just being completed, and the Twin Towers still stood where the Freedom Tower will one day rise. But even by Libeskind's standards, the San Francisco museum is unique. While it will bear the jagged edges that have become the architect's trademark, the CJM, unlike the buildings for which he is best known, is not mournful in spirit. It is, quite literally, a celebration of life.
Libeskind's overarching concept for the museum was a realization of the two letters - chet and yood - of the Hebrew word chai - life. The concept serves as an apt metaphorical counterpoint to the building's site: a 1907 power station built in the aftermath of the city's 1906 earthquake. The plant's facade has been preserved as part of the museum's design. "The Museum," Libeskind wrote in an architect's statement last month, "will make visible the relationship between the new and the old, innovation and tradition, celebrating the City's past and reinvigorating it for the future. It will transform the physical energy associated with the legacy of the Power Substation to the power of human communication and imagination. History does not come to an end but opens to the future; history is a dynamic ground.
Interestingly, Libeskind's language bears a striking resemblance to that of Cohen and Kelman, who, like the architect, see novel intersections of past and present, Jewish and non-Jewish, as the key to a dynamic Jewish future.
"From our interviews with Jewish young adults," Cohen and Kelman wrote last year, "we learned how engaged, but unaffiliated Jews seek cultural experiences that offer alternatives to an institutional world they see as bland, conformist, conservative and alien. Instead, they are drawn to events that promise to cross boundaries between Jews and non-Jews, Jews and Jews, Jewish space and non-Jewish space, and distinctively Jewish culture with putatively non-Jewish culture, effecting a "cultural hybridity."
But will Wolf's and Libeskind's visions of a bold new synthesis translate into a viable new institution? Some observers of the museum scene see reasons for optimism.
"What they are doing is very bold, very interesting," said Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett, a professor of performance studies at New York University who has written extensively on Jewish museums. "While others are running to clubs and hiding the fact that they are Jewish, [Wolf] wants to create an institution whose aesthetics are of such high quality, you don?t have to be embarrassed.'
For the museum to be able to draw a broad audience and succeed, Kirshenblatt-Gimblett said, its Jewishness has to be, in some sense, beside the point. "If it is a Whitney- or MoMA-class operation, it will stand regardless," she said.
Arguing in a somewhat different vein, Kirshenblatt-Gimblett noted that if Libeskind's building should become an architectural icon like Frank Gehry's Guggenheim in Bilbao, the art that it houses may, in the end, not matter all that much.
"The key is to have a museum that you have to visit, even if you're not interested in what they're showing," she said. "You don't go to Bilbao to see contemporary art. No one asks, "What's on at Bilbao? What's on is the Gehry building."
In a sense, the new synthesis the CJM is trying pull off has already been playing out, in microcosm, across town at the four-year-old Jewish Community Center of San Francisco.
Asked if the CJM's vision of Jewish-themed programming for a general audience is workable, the JCC's executive director, Sandee Blechman, offered an enthusiastic "yes."
"We've been doing just that," she said. "We've proven that a Jewish community organization can be both a vibrant hub of Jewish community life and be important to the community as a whole. And by being the latter, we can be even more successful as a Jewish organization."
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Acclaimed architect Daniel Libeskind has been tapped to design the building that will house the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. (Archive Photo: Bloomberg) |
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American Jews have been Americans for only about 100-150 years, in most cases. However our families have been Jewish for thousands of years, also in most cases. Jews who had a good Jewish education and lead a Jewish life usually feel more comfortable being with other Jews. It's a shame that in America and other countries outside of Israel, the majority of Jewish families will no longer be Jewish in the near future.
Not boring per se, but pretty much non existent, that's if you can only site Shlock Rock (who is that?) and Matisyahu (whom I personally think is a very talented performer). What is US Jewish Culture anyway? Agreed that more Israeli bands should tour the states...I'm loving Idan Rachiel and others, bring it on! ;)
This situation will work itself out based on what young people ?feel? comfortable with, regardless of what the organized establishment types plan or do. The American way is to follow a path that 'feels' better, rather than fear based: e.g. fear of losing identity, or fear of assimilation. It is a consequence of the American success story. The American Declaration of Independence uses the phrase ?The pursuit of happiness.? It gives permission, and encourages, individuals to find their own way. Which explains America?s social flexibility and leadership. Despite its problems, most other countries ?including Israel?have much more resistance to change. The American mind-set, especially among the educated, is different. We don?t live in fear for our physical safety because of our Jewishness. And if one wants to plan to avoid assimilation in America, the plan needs to focus on how being Jewish improves or enhances, rather than on how it protects from some danger.
Jews are only about 2% of the American population and becoming even less every year. As an American Jew who moved to Israel many years ago, I truly believe that the future of our people is only in Israel.
this is wonderful news Avi, your invitation must mean you have some jobs on offer? after all, without connections it is not possible to get a good job in IL
I'm an orthodox black hat with a university degree and yeshiva time. I divide my time between work and kollel. I'm yeshivish. And yet, somehow, I often feel more comfortable with chilonim than I do with the community I live in. Its a question of cultural comfort: American Hareidim and Yeshivishnikim are radically different than the various orthodox camps in Israel - and have a very different mindset. I often find, with the exception of anglo and european olim, that I relate better to chilonim than orthodox israelis.
Subject material. I can go to a variety of clubs or museams or cultural venues to experience a wide variety of events. But at a synagogue, or purely Jewish venue, there are limits to the breadth of such exposure. Yes, there are opportunities for crossover exposures. The 92-Street Y hosts a multitude of events both secular, Jewish cultural, and religious. So too can one see cross over events at such world class facilities as the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Bronx Zoo, the NY Public Library's main branch. But trying to set up a theater, dance hall, music stage, and museum, all under one roof is prohibitive. Case in point, I love blues music, and I love Jewish music. But I wouldn't want to set up a version of Manny's Car Wash at my local Shul (the smoke from the bar alone could be significant enough to be used to prepare several tons of lox).
Your Parochial vs. cool argument hit things on the head. Yes, Shul is Cool, but the sanctuary has a wholly different atmosphere from a club or museum (and it should). And yes, while its entirely possible to bring both secular and Israeli (shlock rock and cool) venues to synagogues, it doesn't have the same feel as a theater or museum, or club. Indeed, given the previous op-eds bemoaning the cost of Jewish education, and running of synagogues, why should the shul try to be all things to all people.
Half Jew is probably meant a half hearted One, an apologetic Jew, not proud of his heritage, but desperate to "fit in". Nothing to do with ancestry , some of our best are converts.
If you only count Jews with pure Jew ancestry then assimilation will soon exponentially reduce their numbers. Too bad, so sad.
I keep seeing references to "Real Jew", "Half Jew" but can't find any definition. Do these phrases refer to racial ancestry?
Why wouldn't the majority of these so-called young Jews feel comfortable around Gentiles since their family is filled with non-Jews. The article doesn't mention that the young "Jews" interviewed for this study are from intermarried homes. They were interviewed in urban cities and all were Reform, non-affliated, or brought up with two religions or none. Real young Jews, with two Jewish parents, need be interviewed. This study is a fraud and should be completely discarded.
If Jewish identity were your real concern, you would think making sure the content were of univeral value would be important to you. If you think oppressing the Palestinians by stealing their land, imprisoning them at the point of a gun will gain you popularity amongst disaffected Jewish youth, you have already been proven wrong. It is repugnant to any person of good will. Self righteous definitions of Jewish identity equating with military bullying will continue to lose Israel to emigration and pariah status-deservedly.
What a sly trick. Here is another title I saw that was only meant to grab attention: "Does e-mail have a future". I am sk of all the bull sht of the attention starved media
A Jew can participate in American (or any other society including Israeli society and civic responsibility) and still maintain his/her heritage and follow a halahic lifestyle - it's called Conservative Judaism. I realize you and many other "right-thinking" Jews know nothing about Conservative judaism but there is a way. You don't have to follow this path - you are free to choose your own - but don't tell others how to live their own lives. You are in NO position to do this.
Your welcome, from one bigot to another.
There WILL be no future with people who think like you.
You also obviously do not live here and have never spent a significant amount of time here since you know NOT of what you speak.
Perhaps the answer lies here: 1. They are far more prepared to listen than speak, which leads to long gaps in the conversation. 2. They smile far too much, and keeping up with them causes face ache. 3. Their constant concern for the welfare of others leads to embarrassing offers of financial and other help that are difficult to refuse. There we are, for starters - at least three positive reasons. There surely are others that Talkback contributors can come up with.
Yesterday I provided a list of reasons why people tend to feel uncomfortable in the presence of others. This was first published, and then deleted. Clearly, there has to be a reason why young US Jews prefer the company of non-Jews. What is it? From the deletion of my reply it appears that only an answer that casts US Jews in a favourable light will be permitted on Talkback. A difficult task for Talkback contributors.
they cant balance their rich heritage with their love for America. More power to those who can. As to turning Christian, there is not much to admie there.....
TO CLICKFOOL 38, THEN YOU DONT HAVE ANY FRIENDS Dreaming, are you, Jorge? Clickfool has many friends here among the pro-Palestinian posters...
Nunya: You are correct in saying that the number one commandment is to love the Lord your God. However, man cannot love God when sin stands in the way, and that is why Jesus (Yeshua) bore our sins. He has fulfilled the law! The Torah, Propets etc. speak many times about the Messiah and that he will bear our iniquities (Isaiah) and also come and reign victorious. The law given by Moses says that there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood, and since modern Jews today do not sacrifice for their sins, then there is no forgiveness. However, because Jesus? blood was sufficient to reconcile men to God there is forgiveness for those who believe! Jesus is the Way to God which enables us to love the Lord with all our mind, heart and strength. Read it for youself in God?s Word. Feel free to write back.
The future is MUSLIM!
and the future is Christian
B'Galil is right. American Jews are largely beyond boring. Mainstream, think so inside the box even the Heeb Magazine crew wouldn't know an original idea if it bonked them on the head. In Israel there are all kinds of Jews and there's something for everyone. In the U.S. Jews are depressing they're so cookie cutter.
I always thought that Geneva was in the French-speaking area of Switzerland. Perhaps you haven't been there long.
"SILENT HOLOCAUST!!!!!!" That wild exageration really does cheapen the memory of all those victims. You should be ashamed, even if you're not Jewish.
come on people, how did this thread get so stupid!??? what is with you folks. the topic here was mixed, it discussed Jews feeling comfortable with non-Jews, a good thing, Jewish entertainment, which has suffered due to parochialism. then there is the state of architecutre and how it represents cool, and hopefully the building will attract Jews and others, like in Bilbao. But no this was not enough, all of sudden we get into self-hate and mindless idiots, who have to preach to all, and share their angst and hate, forgetting that they came in the name of love. Enough of the bullshit folks, wake up, deal with the subject.
It is refreshing to read about "universal" Jews, those who maintain the long tradition of diaspora Jewry in reaching out to others. Israeli Jews might take a lesson from their US bretheren in their approach to Palestinians (both those who are citizens of the state and those under occupation). That could lay the basis for the only humane, just and durable solution to the Palestine question--the one state solution.
You know when Israelis were cool? When they took a moral stand and weren't afraid of long odds. Now a bunch of thugs can fire rockets at Israeli daily, steadily improving their capability while Israel huffs and puffs but won't blow the house down. That's true in Gaza and Lebanon. Israel's afraid to hit Syria so Syria pumps as much arms as it can into Lebanon. Meanwhile as Israel has gained nothing it makes more and more concessions, begging for peace from the arab world who hate them too much to realize they could have their goal if they just reigned in their hate and took all the little pieces Israel offers over time until they get their wish. Israel used to be cool before it became decadent and surrendered its culture to watered-down "jewish" immigrants with no national pride, loyalty or scruples. Israel culture to me these days isn't cool at all. In fact a better adjective might be lame.
The Christian history is FILLED with many examples of the most wicked and evil acts ever committed against human beings. I am NOT saying that Christians are wicked, but do NOT compare the evils done by Jews to your own dark history (Crusades, Inquisition, Papal Nazi collaboration, etc...) Thank God that most Christians in America are not like you.
We've been told that "Young US Jews are most comfortable when surrounded by non-Jews". Presumably Haaretz expected us to speculate on the reasons for this on Talkback. I gave a list of unexceptionable reasons why people make other people feel uncomfortable. This was published, and then, presumably after some furious arm-twisting on the grounds that it made Jews look bad, deleted. So - the question remains. What is it about Jews that makes other Jews uncomfortable? From the reaction to my post, it's going to be difficult for Talkback to come to any conclusion. The explanation will, of course, have to show the Jews who make other Jews uncomfortable in a favourable light or it won't be published.
Hi Clarie - thanks for your message. In case you were wondering, it has now been deleted. No doubt our censor was leant on.
The Jew is actually a spirit. Now I'm pretty good at recognizing one. You see, the spirit can see itself. And it knows the difference.
Assimilation is bringing us closer to the USA being an all CHRISTIAN nation. Assimilation is good for the jewish people because it breeds out the wickedness of your race.
As well as Barbara Streisand. No doubt there are countless more. Is their music considered "Jewish music"? I suppose it is and it isn't depending on what you mean.
Young American Jews are coming to their senses by converting to Christianity. They no longer want to be part of a cult who advocates violence and murder.
Who think that by being Anti Israel you can ingratiate yourself to the Brits - that they will accept you if you deny the rights of your own people - read Clickfools post and realize that they will always hate you. Nothing you can do about it.
I just don't get you; you react with such indignation when anyone accuses you of antisemitism...why submit such an obviously bigoted and sectarian post?
That isjust the problem. I am merely setting forth the Jewish cultural ideal. i understand that there underling cultural causes such as 'feel good' culture that pevent 'traction'. What I'm saying is that one has to be like Avraham Avinu (Father Abraham) and overcome contemporary cultural norms.
Jewish institutions are so boring in the States that no wonder Jews here find it disinteresting. However, I would rather be bored with proud Jews, or with interesting Non-Jews than the kind of Jews that write for Haaretz and hate their own people. It is these self hating Jews on the so called "Left" (really a cover for the extreme right) are the ones that are the most harmful with the lies they spread in the NY times and Haaretz.
CJM? Contemporary Jewish Museum. Ahhhh...sounds good, but you, Gabriel Sanders, stated that "history is dynamic ground", referring to the history of course not only of the Jews but of every other race. This is all perfect but the the fact is that this Museum is a Jewish Museum not a Chinese, or Aryan Museum. There has to be a certain, definite zeal to make sure the "What is the Building's Name" doesn't come across like the intentional grammar-goofup of my title. A Jew is a Jew. A Japanese is a Japanese. So on and so forth. Be proud, and make sure this building is all Jewish. G-D bless you.
Mmm mmm mmm, me loves the shiksas.
Rights?? Responsibilities?? these are alien concepts in a feel-good, entitlement culture. I don't see how your argument can get any traction...
You will be assimilated. If there is an issue here and I am not sure there is actually an issue at all. It is that a person will take the core values of the society in which they are a part of. In fact it is probably very healthy for the Jewish community to mix freely with other faiths and sections of society other than their own. You can follow the Jewish religion and be a member of mainstream society. Where is the problem?
"American jews are finally seeing the Light of God through their TRUE Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ." No they're not. It's actually more complicated than you are thinking. However, things will work out okay for Christians and for Jews. Mmmm. Don't forget about the rest of the world either. Not everyone is Jewish or Christian.
Besides all those "qualities" you described for yourself you have to add BLIND HATE, that is against JEWS and all that stands for civilization. you do honor to the last word of your self appointed name
That's just the point. A Jew has no right to allow himself to be woven into this American tapestry. He has to maintain his separate identity. While he should maintain an amicable relationship with his co-workers and other American citizens, he has to maintain his particularistic ethno-reigious identity and not stick his nose into places where he doedn't belong
In Israel there is no inner conflict, which aware of or not, every Jew experiences on a deeper level outside of the Land. With all the politics, inconsistencies, every day challenges, there is one true knowing. That is, when you accept your positioning on earth at this time, starting with the fact that one is a Jew, that underneath all the secular distractions, we are and will continue to be one body with a deeper purpose. No matter how one attempts consciously or otherwise to compromise and conceal the Truth of our unique and meaningful connection to the Master of the Universe, ultimately in this life or thereafter it will be fully revealed. Israel is the Land of milk and honey, where the vessels of connection are open and widened and where as a Jew, that connection is sweetened. Compromise to the power of assimilation is futile...ie: Chanuka/Hellenistic assimilation, prewar Germany, preInquisition Spain, etc. Come to Israel and make a difference.
I have always believed that the strongest affiliation to the Jewish community and Israel is this historical narrative (5768 years old)which connects us. To break one's appreciation of one's ancestry and heritage and non-involvement in any capacity is quite a drastic measure when you look at things from a broader perspective. But if one does, I don't feel it's a reason to mourn either. One has to accept diversity. On the other hand if a visual exhibition like the one I saw in Tel Aviv Museum this summer 2007 called "One Family" travels to most cities in North America, this would help connect people and have a better understanding and appreciation to their roots. Also, just read Sir Martin Gilbert is writing about Jewish experiences of Middle Eastern decent - halleluya, it's about time!
I have known many Christian evangelical types over the years. They would like all of we Jews to convert to their brand of Christianity. Some in fact have, much to my dismay. I mean, what are they converting to? Christians themselves continually fight over theology, to the point of hating one another. Christians have killed more Christians than anyone else, throughout the centuries, when they weren't picking on the Jews (pogroms, crusades, inquisition, and finally the holocaust (Christian militancy at it's worst). I would suggest you go out and convert a Muslim..who might not be so tolerant of your efforts. I pray everyday for a Christian to convert to our religion..to become part of the "chosen people". All I want from you are the Noahide laws to be observed. When another Hitler comes along, we will know the real and other face of Christianity. In the meantime, hows about leaving us (5.5m US Jews alone and in peace). We don't bother you, do we?
Commandment number 1-- You shall have no God before me, I am Hashem your God. Yet you whack Christians believe that if Jews dont accept Jesus we will go to hell! A clear violation of the most basic of God's laws. God will certainly have an excruciating and horrible punishment for trying to convert Jews away from truth to your pagan idolatry. Repent now!
A few weeks ago you had an article about American Jews wanting more say in what happens in Israel. THIS article puts thngs into proper prospective
So you have listed ONLY 11 of the reasons that no one likes you. But please Just because no one likes you don't think that you are unpopular!! FOOL that you are!
Young Jews feel most comfortable when surrounded by non Jews. Cant say anyone can fault them for this - who wants to listen and talk of the Jews 'travails' and nothing else, travails which the Jews brought upon themselves for wandering for a few milleniums by forgetting to take the ME map with them at start of the trek. The Jews have learnt nothing in 2000 years they stiil cagy of carrying a ME map in their pocket. All set to begin the trek again.
Could someone ? any one ? clarify the true facts on the ground? I am being assured by those who profess the religion known as Reform Judaism that their religious practice attracts non-Jews, thereby increasing the demographic factor. Now, the Christian Crusader (is that a Shazam!!! Crusader or a Richard the Lion Heart Crusader) assures us that there is a stream of converts from the ranks of the Jews to those of the Christians. Now are the converts on a one way ride (I?ll give you two for your one) or are their numbers swelled by round trip riders. (You know, the ones who become Jews so they can commemorate Yom Kippur and then become Catholics to observe Lent)?or is it the other way around?
Who's to blame? These young Jews who have never been educated about their Jewishness OR the educators and so called leadership and so called Jewish religious temple movements who are more comfortable with attracting non Jews than they are in educating existing Jews.
I do agree with most of it. We could summarize your post by human desire to be in company of people who are pleasant and give a kind of safety and confidence to other. Yesterday, in the buss, young Iranian was fighting for air by try to tell all about some Jewish girl Hannah which economic support some his business project. I would avoid black-white pictures of things around us. Most likely, company of the same ethnicity people demand political opinions against enemy even one might love somebody, feel attached to some other values than own etc.
I did not publish that post. Someone else used my name. however while I agree with the sentiment, I am not that naive to believe that it would be heeded. If you are also relating to my post # 11, which I did write, the fact that young Jews feel 'comfortable' in the presence of non-Jews, is adanger signalfor the Jewish people. The separation between Jew and Gentile is a tenet of Judaism., and if young Jews in America feel that America, where they don't know that we have to be among our own, then I call that the beginning of assimilation. Certainly living in exile in the diaspora, means greater social intercourse with non-Jews, and one must build amicable relations in the workplace, neverthelessin the social sphere ,we must be among our own. It would realy be a good idea if young Jews would come to Israel ,but I am not that naive to think it will happen in the near future, unless the birthright programs are more sucessful.
I have been hanging around people that love Jesus all my life...of 60 years and I hope that has helped guide my life to whatever extent. I also hope that some other Jewish Rabbis and their admirers have influenced you in a positive way.
Orthodoxy is far from stimulating too.
The concept of assimilation is a notion taken from the European paradigm in which a Jew abandons his own culture/religion-of-origin and takes on the language and culture of the ambient nation in which he is living. In this process one goes being Jewish, to being of Jewish-origin, to having a father or grandfather who was a Jew. The reality is, that in the U.S., Jews are not assimilating and their culture dissapearing, rather, they and their culture have been integrated into the multi-cultural ethnic tapestry of white America. What this means is that even Jews who marry non-Jewish partners are interested in expressing themselves as Jews and moreover, their gentile partners are not necessarily opposed to this, even on the religious level. It means that the previous assumed relationship between Jews marrying other Jews and the maintenence of a distinct ethnic community, and the continuous expression of Jewish identity, religion, and culture is no longer valid.
I never wrote post #15. it is not my style. I might agree with the contents, but I never wrote it.
Schmaltz is not the Jewish identity. Schmaltz is propagated when the real Jewish values are not taught and when the superficial things are presented by people, that are least Jewish in their behavior and knowledge of Judaism, as an identity. Judaism is not about feeling comfortable it is about being a human being, that means being in a superior state compared to an animal that has to satisfy its needs instinctively and instantly. We need to be taught what is right and not what feels good 2X2 = 4 even if it feels better if it is 5.
What is so terrible about that? America IS A CHRISTIAN nation, based on CHRISTIAN VALUES, founded and governed by CHRISTIANS. If young American jews wish to become CHRISTIANS then we welcome them to our Christian family. I have spoken to many recent converts and they are saying the same thing, that they are TOO ASHAMED to be jewish because of the way israel treats her Palestinian population.
THINK SO!!!!!!!!! BRILLIANT!!!!
NO KIDDING? WHAT GENIUS FIGURED THIS OUT? EVERYONE IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE AROUND THEIR MOST FAMILIAL AND HOME SURROUNDINGS! NOTHING POSITIVE TO WRITE TODAY?
A really dumb article. The FORWARD is not representative of United States Jews. It is far to the left edge of most. Like the FORWARD , San Fransisco is far and away the least "American" of all American cities. It's culture is anti-American military ,off the wall sexually, socially, etc. Most Americans ,including young Jews elsewhere, find it repulsive.
What is the key to renewal? Let the young American Jews take over! It's time for all the old people to get out of the way and loosen their grips on American Jewish life. I've been active in shul life. I know that many older people are concerned about the young leaving the tradition and want them active again in Jewish life. But what they don't want are the young people's ideas. It's time to make Judaism cool again, and when I say that I don't mean following the trends as our new schtick to attract young people. I am definitely not talking about Young Leadership or any of the other tons of establishment (and conventional) organizations supported by mainstream Jewish life. It's time to get the artists and intellectuals back. But you can't do that if American Jewish life remains the reserve of old conservative people and their equally conservative children who habitually say "No" to every innovation.
It is true that assimilation is destroying American Jewish life, or at least the way that it has been practice in the American Jewish community. Historically, assimilation meant abandoning Judaism and Jewishness, as that was deemed as unseemly or uncool. I think we all know what I'm talking about. It's just not viewed as cool in many circles in America to be a Jewishly minded Jew, especially, ironically, when you're among some fellow American Jews. But part of it is also that American Jewish life has become stunted and uncreative. It's more about dwelling on the past than being creative today. The truly creative people often leave the community altogether or exist on the outskirts. A main source of the problem is the conservative and conventional nature of the American Jewish community. This used to be a community at the forefront of culture and the civil rights movement. It used to be dynamic. Now, all it has is schmaltz.
As someone that grew up as a young American Jew, I think you hit the nail on the head! I personally got sick of seeing the game of 'I'm a better Jew than you'. It appears to be alive and well on talkback and MidEast forums, though:-(
I would agree with you on the Hebrew emphasis. But I think you hit the nail on the head with the word "Schlock." By the way, I think I know the Taubman you speak of. His work is very, well, suburban mall America. Unfortunately, you won't get funky in American Jewish culture these days (and even more unfortunately, neither will I). American Jewish life is run by a bunch old people and young VERY conventional and conservative people. The intellectuals and creatives, like author Phillip Roth, the interesting ones, pretty much remain on the outskirts of American Jewish life. That's also how the American Jewish establishment likes it. It's a shame. I have elderly friends who tell me stories of how American Jewish culture was alive and vibrant during the days of Yiddish immigration and theatre, but those days are gone. Now we just have boring hours at shul.
American jews are finally seeing the Light of God through their TRUE Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Being around friends who are non Jews is simply less tiring to the mind. Most of my friends are non Jewish. We spend our time deep sea fishing and snow skiing. My Jewish friends are not very interested in spending time in these pursuits. cette la vie.
This is a most revealing article about current Jewish thinking and perspective. It really goes to the heart of the matter (including Israel), as to what is a Jew? Are we Jews a nation, a religion, a culture? Do we share a common history? Have we morays and folkways in common? Is Israel our spiritual homeland? Should we as Jews be living in Israel as opposed to being in the Diaspora? There is much to discuss here, and to explore why young Jews feel more comfortable? It's complex. But, go in any bar, and ask someone who has had too much to drink, and you might be surprised about his (her) attitude about we so-called assimilated Jews. Perhaps that comfortable feeling is really because the setting is not too personal, among other things. As far as living in Israel, it's up to the individual. There is no right or wrong. Wanting to be mainly with other Jews is certainly a worthwhile goal but it's not for everyone. However, Israel has a point, with 50,000 Americans leaving the faith yearly.
Nice little gesture Avi, BUT where do you intend on housing all the jews you call HOME? israel is a tiny little country, do you intend on putting them you in your home? Or then do you demand more land grabs from the government of israel? Have you ever thought for one minute that many jews around the world are quite content in the lands in which they live??? Ask yourself why would any jew living outside of israel want to come to the jew only land? Many jews have learned to accept their non jewish friends for what they are, as well as non jews accepting jews for what they are. America is a country that has adapted to many cultures, not like israel that has a one sided view of people.
Nice little gesture Avi, BUT where do you intend on housing all the jews you call HOME? israel is a tiny little country, do you intend on putting them you in your home? Or then do you demand more land grabs from the government of israel? Have you ever thought for one minute that many jews around the world are quite content in the lands in which they live??? Ask yourself why would any jew living outside of israel want to come to the jew only land? Many jews have learned to accept their non jewish friends for what they are, as well as non jews accepting jews for what they are. America is a country that has adapted to many cultures, not like israel that has a one sided view of people.
please, i think it's a relevant time where we speak quietly but carry a large stick. prove we are the chosen people, its not the time of rhetoric or falisy, please
This is essentially an issue of the Parochial vs. Cool. Jewish teens and young adults do not find it cool attending concerts or plays that take place in the same place they went to play sports as children or attended hebrew school at. It would be the equivalent of attending at rock concert at your public school (grades kindergarten to 6). it is more freaky than cool. Israel has for far too long pushed the "Golani sing songs of the Palmach" rather than tap into the incredible surge of creativity taking place in this country. For those who have spent time in this country, they realize that the babes are gorgeous and the place is very cool. Jews have also historically tried to "make it" in the general community. As for Jews enjoying the company of their gentile friends, this is great news. This means that Jews have been accepted as Americans and not something foreign and evil. This is essentially good news. As for the hype surrounding the architecture, he has great PR.
This raises interesting points we need to think about here in London as well. For all our 'multi-culturalism' Anglo-Jews are NOT an ethnic minority, but mainstream British. Prince Charles is Patron of our Jewish Museum that has won awards such as London Museum of the Year, no mean feat as London has hundreds of museums. Our Jewish Museum provides school programs and celebrates Black History Month.
in bad company
reform and conservative "judaism" bores their victims to death. no wonder it stinks.
Don't panic. Just remain open minded. There is a Jewish spirit at work here which is separate from the physical. Essentially, it is Jewish but it can involve things which are on the surface not appearing to be Jewish. I'm not talking about anything you've ever heard about. I've already given you too much information. But don't worry. I know what I'm talking about. Things will work out. Believe me.
Yound US jews have turned to consumerism and the complete American way.Their parents have sought to be more American than the Americans and have discarded their Jewish heritage.Young US Jews just want to disolve into plain vanilla people,spineless,characterless but with lots of consumer items bought on money essentially borrowed from China.Without spiritual sustenance divorce rates will climb and it will just be more difficuult to find the reason for life.
In Israel you will be welcome in either religious or secular setting, all of which consist of members of your own people, aiming to contributing to the evolvement of our nation-state in the process of which we invite you to actively participate. Brothers, sisters, come home to Israel!!!
Jewish law is the jewish identities sheild...the moment the Jewish identity leaves the domain of law...he ensures that maybe not him, but his children or children's children will marry out and end the jewish line. Not marrying somebody who isn't jewish b/c their blood is not Jewish is absurd...the only reason you should marry another Jew is that the other fullfills the laws of the torah as do you (kosherut,shabbat, holidays). This is the only rational explanation you can provide for not assimilating, an argument based on values, but the unobservant Jew has given up his Jewish values and law and therefore has no leg to stand on, or when he transmit's his jewish identity, it will not be strong enough when a minority surrounded by mass amount of opportunity to give up an identity that has no real significance anyway!!!!
Jewish identity is under attack and we're losing. Let us be honest...since the haskala the jews have let go of the law, and thus the values and purposes forgotten jewish identity has become defenseless. Without the law you cannot adequately transfer jewish identity to ones children, and thus your lineage is one step away from marrying out of the Jewish people. IT IS ABOUT JEWISH LAW. The diaspora is dying. the future of the Jewish people is in Israel!!!!! Being Jewish is aboutthe law and our history, if the law is important you will want to give them to your children, ensuring the passing of the torch, if not you will have hard time negotiating a course of ensuring a strong jewish identity!!!
The problem for the Jewsih youth is that there are held immediately guilty for who they are if they are not ultra-religious or do not participate in a congregation. It is high time for us to stop shooting ourselves on our own foot and be more accepting of one another.
In our days in America we called it assimilation.
So, it's good to know more about people who occupy this site.That puts you're comments in greater perspective
"That includes attending the Greek Festival, the Italian Festival, the Who Gives a Damn Festival - and enjoying them all." Of course one should enjoy them all but it's important to many people to have a strong connection to their heritage and they can be proud of that too. I left America to come live in Israel because THIS is where my tribe is from - not the 100 years in America but the 3000 years here. American Jewish kids should be proud of this heritage through the Hebrew Language and culture.
You are so right. However, the Israeli groups often do bring in some religious themes but the point is to give the American Jewish kids ISRAELI and HEBREW culture. The religious part is not so important here. THAT'S the problem, those synagogues and American Jewish Organizations do not bring over the cool Israel/Hebrew stuff. Basya and Pharoahs Daughter is great stuff and they do get around a bit but they have not been totally embraced by those organizations - they still focus on Schlock Rock, Taubman, Recht, etc...MAKE IT HEBREW, ISRAELI AND FUNKY AMERICA - You'll get lots of your kids to love Israel that way!
I agree with you 100% - In fact, I love Persian music - especially the more traditional kind played on a Saz, baglama and tar. My point is more about the Jewish music that is presented to Jewish kids as Jewish music. The American organizations should be bringing over the Israeli bands who utilize the reggae, Arfican groove, hip hop along with their Hebrew language and culture - to give American Jewish kids some musical role models to compete with the contemporary US musical culture. The American youth would be proud - like you are in listening to Matisyahu - and not embarrased to call it Jewish or Israeli music.
What I appreciate over here in Thailand is that I can walk into any temple, anywhere, anytime without feeling I am encroaching on some else?s hallowed turf, and therefore unwelcome. Buddhist temples are public spaces. That seems to be the case with the mosques I have seen here too. Churches in the West however have lost an element of that public inclusiveness, which makes them less accessible. I don?t know about synagogues. I would love to go into one. This outreach programme sounds excellent
"it`s just the American atmosphere that you have more in common as AMERICANS than the respective minority groups." - Persian Kitty And exactly what group in America is not a minority? I am technically a 'WASP", a White Anglo Saxon Protestant. Except that I am 1/4 Irish Catholic. And god knows what else. I had ancestors who moved from New Amsterdam when the English arrived to make it New York. So what? On my paternal side there is an English link, so what? Abe Lincoln was a distant relative? So what? In America you are what you are, and that is fine with me. One nice thing about being a mongrel in the Number One Mongrel nation in the world is that you can be what you want to be. That includes attending the Greek Festival, the Italian Festival, the Who Gives a Damn Festival - and enjoying them all.
'I can certainly sympathize with those Jews feeling more comfortable hangin with non-Jews,I`m the same way:more comfortable to hang with non-Persians,but it doesn`t mean that I love my culture and heritage any less than other Persians." - Persian Kitty Mindy Markoff didn't have any problem with having a goy as her first date. For that matter, I didn't even consider for a moment that the first person I asked out on a date was a Jewess. We went to the Military Ball at the Homestead Officers Club and had a very fine time. I have a problem with the lunatic right wing society that is being pushed as the only "true" American society right now. What about Israel? Is it the Ashkenazim society which founded Israel some 60 years ago? Is it the undeniably (DNA) Ethiopian Jews? Is it the Sephardic nation imported to boost it's numbers in the 1950s and 60s? Is it the sometimes dubious Russians imported since the fall of the Berlin Wall? It is hard to guess, much less know.
I am a Persian(and NOT a teenager)and listen to Matisyahu.In addition,there isn't anything wrong with listening to the US pop culture music.That is OUR culture whether you like it or not.I can certainly sympathize with those Jews feeling more comfortable hangin with non-Jews,I'm the same way:more comfortable to hang with non-Persians,but it doesn't mean that I love my culture and heritage any less than other Persians.It's just the American atmosphere that you have more in common as AMERICANS than the respective minority groups (whatever they may be,Jewish,Persian,etc).Last but ot least,I can assure you Israeli culture is live and well here for those who seek it.Think about it,I,a Persian born and partially raised in Iran,own every single CD of Matisyahu and travel out of my comfort zone to attend his concerts.It's one world and one love baby!My fave song which could teach you & me a lesson:You're a warrior,Fighting for your soul,Taken from a world above,& brought down to a world below.
The problem is that American Jewish culture is solely based on synagogue life, which promotes convention and schmaltz as Jewish identity. It is BORING and it is also stunted, uncreative, and very simplistic. Matisyahu is a prime example of this. Yeah, it's a cute gimmick, but it's just mimicking a particular genre as sheer formula and adding some Jewish lyrics to it. There are some interesting Jewish groups out there, like Pharaoh's Daughter, but they're not as well known. As a side note, I have had Israeli friends who live in America who face the same dilemma with their kids. The problem with many popular Israeli musicians is that they are still wholly secular and many don't have especially Jewish content to their music.
What self-respecting American Teen is gonna be seen at a Shlock Rock concert or even Matisyahu (at least not the cool ones). They listen to bands like The Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, etc...Bring 'em Israeli music - there's lots of great stuff over here they would love. Get it out there in the general American audience too - not just Jewish.