Have American Jews become so secular that they are actually non Jewish? A fascinating article on The Algemeiner makes a convincing case. Outside of the Orthodox community, Jews are increasingly moving away from traditional Jewish beliefs and practices—abandoning Jewish education, turning against Israel, having no Temple affiliation—or being “2 Day a Year” attendees—and overwhelmingly embracing Intermarriage (80% rate for the Reform).
All of this is horrifying to me! Just one generation ago, American Jews supported Israel, and I mean all of them. I do not know a single Jew, over the age of 65, that would disagree, yet the Millennials and younger, who get to experience Israel firsthand, and for free, on Birthright trips, condemn Israel, insanely calling it an Apartheid State, due to propaganda about supposed abuse of the Arabs (none of which is true).
How did we get to this point? Strangely enough, it stems from society becoming more inclusive. Throughout history, whenever Jews were allowed to assimilate, they have done so, in large numbers. Anti-Semitism, conversely, has the odd effect of making Jews feel, and behave, more Jewishly. (Such irony, it’s hard to wrap your mind around.)
How can we reverse this scary trend towards complete Secularism? It’s not going to be easy. Certainly, we have to make a much bigger effort to reach out to the Unaffiliated, as a start. We have to offer comprehensive Jewish education—to kids and adults. We have to promote traditional families and that means, whenever possible, a Jewish husband and a Jewish wife, committed to raising Jewish children. For those who are already Intermarried, we need to facilitate and encourage conversion.
Does this mean we all need to be Orthodox? Of course not. But we must not embrace the other extreme of Secularism. There is a middle ground that will work for most of us. Judaism is not an insignificant relic. It is a living, breathing entity that sustains us as a community and makes our lives a million times better. If we choose to abandon it, we will suffer and I don’t want to see that happen.
Judaism will look different, and mean something different, to each one of us. That is ok. What’s not ok is throwing our hands up in despair and accepting these changes as inevitable. It can be reversed; dare I say, it must be reversed, if we are to grow and thrive as a People.
I love Judaism. I love other Jews. I want to see both flourish. I care way too much about our future to give up and I pray that everyone else feels the same. We must do our part to ensure that Judaism remains relevant and continues to be practiced. A secular life, without the Commandments, and without God, is so frightening and awful, I can’t even contemplate it.
Judaism isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely better than the alternative of a Humanist, Godless world without order and meaning.
Your posts are always interesting and very educational. I saw you tweet this and will share it. You make some really valid points. I think too, much could be applied to other religions, and other traditions . It seems times are changing, and I often wonder, is it always for the better? Most times I think not.
BTW- the most interesting as a non Jewish person reading this is the turn from Israel. So much of this trend I believe is from social media. It is such a huge influence in so many people’s lives .
It seems to be a wave of secularism. My friends who are Christian tell me that their churches are struggling to stay open and any outward discussion of their faith is often ridiculed. I think it’s terrible to see how people of faith are being ostracized.
Definitely the anti-Israel trend is being fueled by social media. The younger crowd uses it the most, and is most vulnerable to its pitfalls. I worry about those folks, and what their future will be like, because of social media. They seem to be in an alternate reality.
Thanks so much for the share on Twitter!
Education is what’s lacking. What happened to the Solomon Schechter Day Schools that educated my generation? Practically disappeared. How are children supposed to be Jewish as adults if they’re not properly educated. My daughters have all chosen to home school because there is no Jewish school available. Public school is pathetic. Parents have to stop making excuses. We are responsible for our children being Jewish.
The closure of Jewish Day schools is a tragedy, no doubt. I agree that we need to provide our children with the best possible education, but that will vary by family. I have seen children thrive in every type of school – home, public, and private.
You’re right on, Jewish Lady!
Thanks so much for the encouragement
One step would be for Israel to legitimize land embrace conservative and reform strands of Judaism. Then it would truly be a Jewish state.
I believe that all streams of Judaism need to come together for the greater good. Focusing on our slight differences is a mistake. All Jews, whether it’s the most liberal Reform to the strictest Orthodox, can learn from each other. We need unity. The Orthodox should not control everything in Israel.
I love your blog,I’m not Jewish but I sure believe we are all the same and should be treated equally!
Glad you enjoy it and so happy to have you here. I have many readers that are Christian and I love my friends in the Christian Zionist community so much! Absolutely, we are all equal and should treat each other with respect and compassion.