For years I would laugh at the irony.
In 1964, Look magazine ran a cover story entitled “The Vanishing American Jew.” Boldly, with the self-assurance of a national publication that had millions of readers, the article clearly explained why in all certainty there would no longer be any Jews left in the United States in the 21st century.
Well, we all know what happened.
Jews survived, but Look magazine disappeared.
We could afford to be amused that once again those who predicted our early demise were so powerfully mistaken.
In the immortal words of Mark Twain who had the remarkable experience of reading his own erroneous obituary in the local newspaper, the report of our death was greatly exaggerated.
In fact, people have been writing our obit almost from the time of our birth. The oldest recorded mention of the name Israel is in an Egyptian hymn of victory dating to Pharoah Mer-nep-tah (about 1230 BCE), and it reads, "Israel is laid waste, his offspring is wiped out." Yet somehow history records a different ending to the story. Passover reminds us that it was Pharaoh and his people who were defeated by the miraculous intervention of God. And the Jews to this day, descendents of slaves in what was once a glorious Empire, continue to write magnificent chapters in the story of mankind.
That’s why I’ve never really been frightened by pessimistic predictions about our survival. In a famous essay, the historian Simon Rawidowicz put it beautifully when he described the Jews as “the ever- dying people.” We always stood on the precipice of extinction - only to amaze onlookers with our super- human ability to persevere and to contribute in unparalleled fashion to creating a more civilized world.
The post-Holocaust generation appears to be existentially endangered by the threat of suicide.
But that doesn’t mean the results of the just released Pew Research Center report, titled "A Portrait of Jewish Americans” haven’t given me reason for grave concern. In a nationally conducted survey of a statistically representative and significant number of Jews across the country, the Pew Institute attempted to explore the meaning of Jewish identity today. What does being Jewish mean at present and how does it relate to issues like denominational affiliation, politics, intermarriage rates, views on Israel, as well as character traits and actions deemed "essential to their Jewish identity"?
The answers were far from reassuring.
To put it as bluntly as possible, the post-Holocaust generation which thankfully no longer needs to be concerned with genocide appears to be existentially endangered by the threat of suicide. What could never be accomplished by the pogroms and persecution of our enemies seems a reasonable peril to our survival by way of voluntary assimilation and self chosen rejection of our heritage
Note the following ominous signs which have exponentially increased in just the past few decades:
- While 56 percent of the general public say that religion is very important in their lives, the same is true for only 26 percent of American Jews. Entrusted by God with the task of serving as “a light unto the nations,” we Jews have tragically become doubly more secular than those amongst whom we live.
- Thirty-two percent of Jews born after 1980 — the so-called millennial generation — identify as Jews of no religion, compared to 19% of baby boomers and just 7% of Jews born before 1927. Overall, 22% of US Jews describe themselves as having no religion, meaning they are much less connected to Jewish organizations and much less likely to be raising their children Jewish.
- A growing proportion of American Jews say they are unlikely to raise their children Jewish or connect with Jewish institutions. The proportion of Jews who say they have no religion and are Jewish only on the basis of ancestry, ethnicity or culture is growing rapidly, and two-thirds of them are not raising their children Jewish at all.
- The study finds that intermarriage rates appear to have significantly increased over the past fifty years. Nearly 60 percent of Jewish respondents who have been married since 2000 say they have a non-Jewish spouse. Just over 40 percent of those married in the 80s have a non-Jewish spouse. That number is just 17 percent for those married before 1970.
I could go on - but it’s just too painful. Of all the findings in the report, what for me struck the most agonizing chord was the one that focused on how respondents chose to list the factor that best exemplifies the meaning of being Jewish. For 19% it was observing Jewish law. 14% claimed it was eating traditional foods. But coming in at more than twice the percentage of these responses for singling out what is essential to being Jewish, 42% said "having a good sense of humor."
Is it really conceivable that almost half of contemporary American Jewry believes that Judaism has more to do with Seinfeld than Sinai? And can Jews find their moorings, their strength, and their reason for survival from their jokes rather than the inspiration found from their spiritual tradition?
The Pew Report is a challenge to our complacency, to our secularism, to our very identity.
Within every tragedy, our sages teach us, there are the seeds of redemption. So too I believe must be our response to this report which alerts us to the sad state of contemporary American Jewry.
Most Jews, the study reveals, do not believe that one has to believe in God in order to be Jewish. Technically, according to Jewish law, that is correct. Yet history affirms that without belief in God and the divine origin of the Torah, Judaism is downgraded to mere ‘tradition’ – i.e.: something you don’t need to take all that seriously. Why should young people more interested in the latest fix take any time to learn and practice an ancient document that doesn’t really speak to them? Only a Judaism that speaks of enduring wisdom and truth stands a chance of imbuing the next generation with the commitment to choose to remain part of our people.
The Pew Report is a challenge to our complacency, to our secularism, to our very identity. It is a wake-up call for all of us. It makes a strong demand upon us to make a meaningful commitment to the traditions and the faith of our past if we hope to be a link in the chain of the survival of our people.
And in spite of everything, I remain optimistic.
(70) expatXX, December 20, 2013 5:28 PM
Nothing Has Changed
This problem was identified over 30 years ago. Nothing has been done since to bring Jewish singles together in an effective nationwide manner. Jewish education,(needed to reinforce the desire to remain within the community) back then, as today is beyond the reach of many. Resources for singles, in the community back then, as now are scant. The internet is a double edged sword in this regard since you can reach more people, but if you don't have the 'right' appearance in your photograph, forget it. I believe that many marry outside of our faith because they've run out of time, patience, or were having no success with the Jews they met, and just plain gave up. I know of one person who did just that. What do you do when loneliness descends on you like a shroud and there's no end in sight? I think the Orthodox community has it right: send your kids to Jewish schools, and don't mix with the gentiles.
They also seem to find partners with less difficulty.
(69) Anonymous, November 28, 2013 12:58 AM
jews like everyone else struggle
I too lost my well-payjng job in the great recession of 2008. After five years of unemployment and being supported by my husband, thank God, I finally found part time work. But I do agree that values of great materialism interfere with spiritual growth. We need enough to be comfortable. Excess is bad; however, as others have stated, many Jews, along with other suffering Americans, are barely able to make ends meet.
(68) Fishel, November 18, 2013 9:51 PM
To be a Jew
Mark Twain wrote, It is better to keep quite and have people think your a fool, than to open your mouth and have it confirmed. A Jew does not flash his Jewishness as do some religions nor does he flash his/her uniqueness of being G-D's chosen one. The Yetza Hara plays a major role in trying to destroy the Jewish religion as does the Satan and that must be understood as well. A Jew knows the up hill battle of everyday life to be a Jew. I do feel and think different from others like more caring or think a problem out differently or being more considerate than other do. These are Jewish qualities that are second nature as a Jew. The fight maybe harder then some but it is worth the proudness to know inside from our Souls who we are and who we represent.
Be well
(67) Leigh Anne, October 12, 2013 9:21 PM
What do Jews do?
What does being a Jew mean in today's world? How does being a Jew affect and or define the deepest values and or meanings for life? If Judaism is just another religion.....then most of the nones will just say "I'll pass".
Because, to be honest, religion has all but lost its relevance to them. There has to be something MORE, something relevant to their LIFE that draws them in. How does Israel...a nation of priests, make a positive difference to a world filled with poverty, loneliness, and pain? If that is not well articulated.....then the people will keep voting with their feet.
(66) Gee, October 10, 2013 6:44 PM
The Problem is EXCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In America Jews have too much money, too much food, too much entertainment, too much of everything. It distorts and buries the neshama. All this excess and comfort is piled on top of Jews, blinding them to the ugly reality that their souls are not being attended to, AT ALL. Jews in America are DRUNK with excess, they are their own little gods, they haven't a clue and it is beyond sad that a people with all those brains choose to drink secular grossness for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Have Jews taken a look around FAT America where people are resembling SOWS instead of human beings? Americans are totally SICK and OBESE! Jews should KNOW BETTER!!! Why is FAT America even attractive to Jews???? Really???!! Why does a people with so much potential to bring the light of G-d into the world choose the ways of the Romans and excess? Their only power is with Hashem, but they ignore that and live imbecilic lives instead, not even knowing what they are doing. Let us not forget that 4/5ths were left behind in mitzrayim. It will be the same again. "My people die from a lack of knowledge" says Proverbs. May Hashem have mercy on our sorry, sorry, souls.
Beverly Kurtin, October 10, 2013 8:23 PM
I guess I'm not an American Jew
EXCESS? I lost my life's savings in 2008; it wasn't that much, but now I live on Social Security. Following a massive hemorrhagic stroke, I had grand mal seizures that were so strong I lost almost all of my opposing teeth. I don't have enough money to get dental care. Baruch Hashem I have enough to eat, but I never have "excess" money to go out to a movie, play, or anything else like that. Our shul groups go out to eat, I've got to stay home because I cannot AFFORD to eat out.
Please, get over the idea that all Jews are rich, many of us live a hair's breath from poverty but we make TOO MUCH to get discounted dental care, hearing aids, etc., etc.
My previous shul was so poor that it took us YEARS to be able to afford a ceiling, we just had a metal roof.
I don't know where you live, but you do not realize just how poor many of us poorer Jews are.paying dues to our shuls and give to charity but not a LOT.
Anonymous, October 10, 2013 9:48 PM
This is probably the dumbest thing I have ever read, not even deserving of a response, but I couldn't help but asking if it is a joke?
Your generalization of American Jews is disgraceful and inaccurate.
Rosalind, December 15, 2013 12:45 AM
Don't blame this generation
This generation is not to blame for it's lack of interest. We have always been a people devoted to Jewish education but the cost of that education( in a day school) has gotten beyond the ability of most young parents to pay. Until our Jews realize that a day school education is vital to our survival, we cannot blame their children for not being educated.
Bill Gittere, October 13, 2013 5:23 PM
An interesting life...
May G-d Grant you an interesting life so that you may learn think before you speak of what you do not yet understand.
Cindy, October 24, 2013 7:45 PM
I suspect this commenter is more comfortable in his/her little ghetto full of like-minded people. I for one am thrilled to be in a "fat" America where I don't have to worry about a pogrom every Easter.
orlov, October 24, 2013 7:52 PM
...no, a very un-Jewish, probably un-Halachic mindset
For those of us who trust in HaShem - AND - ourselves
there is a more optimistic mindset in operation than "Gee" suggests
Chani, November 28, 2013 3:59 AM
"Gee" is Crude and self hating :(
Your comments are only divisive and in no way helpful.
Not a place for a personal rant. Thank you.
Dr C D Goldberg, October 1, 2017 1:34 PM
Disagreement about excess
I find your comments to anti-Semetic and disgusting to say the very least. There are far too many Jews and Jewesses that are poor and have low incomes, which more than what one would bargain for. As for obesity, it is all the junk that has been added to the foods we eat, and having said that, there are also genetic and medical considerations as to why people are obese and overweight, and this does not only apply to Jews, as people of all faiths, race and ethinicities, suffer with obesity. Now getting on to affluence, I have found that Jews for wealthy and successful to be more loyal to Judaism and they help to keep shuls and institutions alive, and further more, they have worked hard to get where they are and believe it or not, their conversion to other faiths is low, as well as the rate of intermarriage. however, it is the one's who face difficulties with psychosocial issues and problems and reduced incomes, who feel left out, are the ones more likely to have less interest in Judaism, and the rate of intermarriage is greater. Please do not knock the rich and people with excess incomes, for they are not the problem, rather engage with them in a civilized manner to help solve the crisis in Judaism.
(65) Dovid Baron, October 10, 2013 2:35 PM
BIG ommissions
As somebody "Aish" from Montreal stated: Pew cites all those Reform temples, neglects 900 Chabad houses and their congregations and communities (as well as all the wonderful activities of Aish HaTorah!!).
Concern? Yes -- redouble our efforts.
Gloom and doom? Well, there is the whole picture!
(64) GG, October 10, 2013 10:08 AM
Nice article but Rabbi Blech falls short by not taking the article where it needed to go. True, the Jewish people will continue but not because Rabbi Blech remains optimistic but because Hashem promised us we would. Individuals, however, will be lost. What "meaningful commitment to the traditions and the faith of our past" can you make to ensure YOUR future in the Jewish people? There is only one answer. ALIYAH. That's the only place that can provide for a Jewish family the ability to "remain part of our people."
(63) Anonymous, October 10, 2013 6:37 AM
Thank you very much for writing such a powerful article. For me, this serves as a reminder that we need to embrace Judaism all the more so and strengthen our Jewish identity and morals, so that we do not keep losing our precious Jewish brothers. It is our job as the Jews to keep our Judaism strong. If we don't understand the greatness and meaningfulness of being Jewish, then we are clearly missing the boat and need to learn and discover a lot more. Thank you!
(62) Phillip Avruch, October 9, 2013 8:05 PM
Optimistic about the future of the Jewish people
Rabbi Blech looks at the future optimistically, and so do I. I believe that the Jewish people as a whole has a destiny and a role to play in the future of the world. There is no guarantee, however, that any specific Jewish community will survive. The history of the Jews in their Diaspora makes that clear. Over time, many communities, such the Jews in China or in ancient Alexandria, have been swallowed up and disappeared entirely. Eastern European Jewry thrived for 800-900 years, and then was decimated by the Nazis in WWII. To me, the future of Judaism in America is unknowable. We are obligated to try to preserve it, but should remember that ultimately, our future is not in our hands alone.
(61) Anonymous, October 8, 2013 7:16 PM
Why Jews leave judaism
Ask 100 Jews What do Jewsbelieve and you get 100 different answers Rabbis don't answer that question. And say we don't have a creed.If we don't know what we believe why should we? I have a home in south florida and the majority of Jews run from anything Jewish and ridicule keeping kosher and attending synagogue except for bar&bat mitzvas. All the rituals and archaic prayers add to the negativity Most families have a dinner to celebrate the major holidays and even Yom kippur attendance at our synagogue bears no resemblance to what it was 5 or 10 years ago. It appears that Jewish practice is slowly dying except for the chassidim who want to perpetuate the eastern european shtetl culture .
(60) Jeff Rosner, October 8, 2013 6:50 PM
Pew Report is Wrong
The reports cites a few interesting items that are not believable:
15% of Orthodox attend Church several times yearly
9% total Orthodox have a Xmas tree
The biggest issue is that the report is divisive. We do not have labels and all of these labels of R, O, C, divide us. If you are a Jew according to Halacha you are a Jew and that's it. The unanswered question for the sponsors of this survey is this: Are there any Torah Observant Jews associated at all with the survey?
(59) D, October 8, 2013 3:53 PM
Post Holocaust Affect on Jewish Psyche
Pre Holocaust Psyche in America vs. Post Holocaust Psyche in America. What is the evolution of the American Jew? The psychological impact of knowing of death camps on all Jews & realizing what the other nations responses were. As a people the effect of the affect is what we are living today. Heal these affects & change the course of behavior.
(58) Molly, October 8, 2013 12:50 AM
How can we solve this?
I think what needs to be done is to acknowledge that ALL Jews are "Jews by choice". If you live in our modern world, whether you are FFB/ Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or a convert, you have to actively embrace a Jewish identity. I think rather than despair at all the intermarriage, we should be celebrating all the spouses that come to embrace Judaism through a Jewish spouse. My Mother-in-law was a convert, and she now has 7 observant Jewish grandkids so far! (We have 5 kids in our own household.) Converts need to be embraced, as they are some of the ones carrying the light into the next generation. ANYONE who decides to follow Hashem's laws in this crazy, decadent world has chosen a difficult path.
The other thing I wanted to say is that much of the world is very anti-child. When pregnant with out second child, a girl born after a son, many people said things like: "Oh, how great! You can stop now!" When we were pregnant with babies 3, 4, and 5, the comments got even more personal and hurtful. It is very rare to believe a new baby is a blessing these days. How strange, when we as a nation have more prosperity than ever before! We can do our part by smiling at new mothers we pass by, complimenting mothers of many on their cute kids, and greeting "the big news" with real delight and warm congratulations - whether that baby is the first or the tenth. Too often do we forget that every new life is a miracle.
(57) Eric, October 7, 2013 11:35 PM
Welcome intermarriages and secular Jews
Some of the problem is that with a growing number of Jews marrying outside their faith, the attitude of both the Orthodox and Conservative movements to exclude the non-Jewish spouse turns the the Jewish one off. I grew up in a Conservative synagogue and now belong to a Reform one. Am I any less Jewish? To me, no. To other Jews, I hear "Oh, your Reform," as if I am diseased. I keep kosher, to a point. I don't mix meat and cheese, eat pork or shellfish, but don't purchase kosher meat or chicken. It has to do more with finances than anything else. Perhaps if Judaism was more inclusive by "sect", we wouldn't be worried about our future.
Just some comments on here show that divide. We should be ashamed of ourselves for comments about looking forward to the end of reform Jews. Asinine.
Molly, October 9, 2013 2:00 AM
You hit the nail on the head
When a Christian marries a Jew, the Christian spouse can usually bring their new bride or groom to their church, and usually they will both be embraced with open arms. If they go to shul, even a reform one, they will forever be "that one who married the Christian". If people were treated warmly, perhaps we wouldn't be facing this. It's aggravating to hear about how intermarriage is a fate worse than death. As you pointed out, it's also foolish, as all but the most fundamentalist Christians will be pleasant and welcoming to a Jewish spouse.
(56) Anonymous, October 7, 2013 10:48 PM
thank you Aish!
Thank you Aish for helping me return to Judaism! I like so many other Jews simply forgot about continuing my education and doing mitzvah after my bar mitzvah. Even when raised conservative...whatever that means..I was always afraid of the Orthodox or those that were religious..I didn't know what I was missing..never did I think I would be keeping shabbos or learning with Rabbis when I was younger but now I feel my life is so much more complete and my family and children are so much better for it..this article proves that we need to continue to educate and learn from each other..if we continue as we are there will be only Orthodox Jews or only those that say they are because they eat a bagel while watching old Seinfeld episodes....so sad.
(55) Anonymous, October 7, 2013 10:41 PM
Orthodox Judaism is the Future
Those who assimilate will eventually vanish, as they always have. The future of the Jewish people lies in the hands of Orthodox Judaism, in all its myriad expressions.
(54) Anonymous, October 7, 2013 10:14 PM
Scary story
I hate to say that this story does not suprise me. I asked my Rebbi if he felt that America is the new Egypt for us? Basically he said yes.
(53) Gary Schuster, October 7, 2013 10:09 PM
Hashem's Promises
We all know Hashem gave His word to our forefathers and He cannot lie. We may decline in numbers at times but He said Avraham's offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. While the study may show us declining in numbers there are so very many of us returning to our roots whose families were assimilated many years ago. Entire congregations of Jews are returning from assimilation because of Hashem's promises. Jews will increase in number because His word, His promises are greater than anything and He never goes back on his word. He has blessed us mightily! Shalom!!
(52) Susan Rubinstein, October 7, 2013 9:30 PM
I believe G-d will keep his promise to our people....we will survive in the diaspora as well as inside the holy land...he will keep his promise to us
May G-d bless us and keep us from harm and may we bring about messianic times sooner...each one of us has that responsibility so the world will live in peace and there will be no more deaths and the dead will rise again..amen.
(51) Anonymous, October 7, 2013 5:56 PM
Going...Going...Gone!
The medresh tells us that the redemption from Egypt is a paradigm for all future redemptions. Just as only about 20% of Klal Yisrael left Egypt with Moshe leaving 80% to disappear in "darkness," we can fully expect that the same proportions will occur today: about 80% of American Jews will disappear into the "darkness" of golus by assimilation and intermarriage. It is obviously happening before our eyes.
Why now? It is my humble opinion that the two tasks which were designated (by Providence) for Jews to undertake in the American diaspora have been completed.
The first was the rebirth of Torah learning to the heights that had been achieved in Europe prior to the Holocaust. Led by the uncompromising commitment of Rav Aharon Kotler z"tl, he and his contemporaries founded the great American senior yeshivas which have restored the glory of Torah learning to its highest levels, and have drawn into their embrace, bochurim, in numbers far exceeding those who learned in Europe's great yeshivas.
Secondly, through Divine Providence, the millions of immigrants from Eastern Europe achieved unparalleled financial success in post-WWII America. It is no coincidence that this occured simultaneously with the return of Eretz Yisrael to Jewish sovereignty in 1948. This was the generation of American-born Jews (for whom Yiddish remained a second language) whose young men, having returned to the "old countries" to help defeat the Nazis, had a great affinity towards the Zionist enterprise. They were willing and able to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into the fledgling state to help it survive and thrive.
Alas, today's assimilated Jews no longer feel anything but indifference towards these two sacred enterprises: Torah and Eretz Yisrael. So be it. It is time now for the committed Jews who remain, to return home to Eretz Yisrael. The sojourn of Jews in America has finally come to an end, its two major tasks accomplished.
(50) SarahRachel, October 7, 2013 4:56 PM
". . .The post-Holocaust generation which thankfully no longer needs to be concerned with genocide appears to be existentially endangered by the threat of suicide."
First, it seems possible that if Israel becomes Palestine, even partially, it will (G-d forbid) cause a Holocaust that will make the last one look like child's play. Please don't be complacent, Jewish history shows that's a mistake.
Secondly, remember that something like 3/5ths of the Jews stayed in Egypt and didn't come out with Moses. They had become assimilated.
Education is great, but the deeper meanings of Torah need to be taught to Jewish children from an early age so what they know from the start. Things like Tanya, Likutey Mohoran, Zohar, etc. What our souls are here for as Jews, etc. for their lifetimes. Not just the dry Hebrew school that so much mimics Xtian Sunday school. All candy and no soul-purpose taught. This is why children lose interest. Dry laws with no deeper explanation of what they are on a soul-level and how they are channels and keys for God's Essence, etc. and it is the Jews' job to enable those channels to work, through Torah law and ideally through the Jews having control of the Temple Mount and a Temple there so that God's Essence isn't instead coming through the other children of Abraham, the Ishmaelites.
Teaching the children these things and the soul-depths of the beauty of Torah and Judaism and their reasons FOR being Jews, is what is missing.
Maybe if this had been done in Egypt community-wide not 3/5ths would have stayed behind but only a much smaller number, if any.
(49) Isaac, October 7, 2013 4:41 PM
Problems with Pew Report
Pew Report covers American Jews who participated in the survey. Immigrant Jews from former USSR are not considered American. They comprise about 15% of US Jewish community. Their intermarriage rate is relatively low. Also, I doubt that Ultra Orthodox Jews participated. Orthodox community is growing due to high birth rate. One reason that Conservatives and Reform Jews are disappearing is they consider themselves above other Jews, more enlightened, etc... Add to that self-hating Jews and Jewish anti-Semites such as Chomsky and result looks inevitable.
(48) Anonymous, October 7, 2013 3:39 PM
SECOND GENERATION LOSSES
MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW CONVERTED IN AN ORTHODOX SYNAGOGUE. SHE HAS BEEN A GRACIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL JEWISH WIFE AND MOTHER TO THEIR 3 DAUGHTERS. THEY WERE ALL IN SHULE EVERY SATURDAY AND HAD A GOOD JEWISH UPBRINGING. HOWEVER, THERE IS A GREAT CHANCE THAT THE 2ND GENERATION WILL MARRY NON-JEWISH MEN, AND THEY DID.
(47) lovezion, October 7, 2013 3:01 PM
Based on these frivolous answers and on the influence of the contemporary society’s poor behavior in general....I’m afraid we are also becoming more silly. However, I think one can feel and act VERY Jewish and not believe in religion, as I do. BUT, I will defend this religion for the sake of adding to the defense of Israel. Religion should be to KNOW THE JEWISH HISTORY AND BE LOYAL TO OUR NEW COUNTRY and to defend it with tooth and claw so as to gain PERMANENT PEACE BY OURSELVES AND NOT BY KANGAROO “PEACE TALKS” THAT NEVER TAKE PLACE ANYWAY.
(46) David, October 7, 2013 2:02 PM
Maybe it's us, not them?
The study doesn't appear to contain much good news for any of the various types of Jews. I was intrigued to see that less than half the Jews who were raised Orthodox remain so... Perhaps it's time to stop insisting that the product is perfect, and the consumers are the problem? Reform Judaism stands for little besides liberal politics; Conservative Judaism is too confused to know where it stands, and Orthodoxy is so firmly insistent that people believe things they simply can't believe that it doesn't hold on to people. Perhaps the three of us should meet and discuss some way to be relevant?
(45) Leonardo Z. Arenas, October 7, 2013 1:15 PM
Greatest Miracle
Greatest miracle in all history of mankind is the survival of the Jewish race against all the world's persecution (anti Semitic /Zionist movement) and the Gentile's ultimate objective to exterminate their race (the Holocaust, Islam threat).
(44) Sharona, October 7, 2013 6:46 AM
The main thing is education. When People are not educated either at home or school about their heritage, then they don't know the importance of it and just throw it away. Of course, there's also people who are educated, but are just not interested.
What we need to remember and understand is that we Jews have a mission to keep Torah and Mitzvos. It's not just a culture, it's our purpose. Through this we bring light and blessing to the world. We need to band together. There are many against us, but with G-d, Torah and Unity, we are strong
(43) Dr. Bruce J. Schneider, October 7, 2013 5:09 AM
Frum community will take over
We're past the point of a"wakeup call" for the old "mainstream" population. Decades of majority intermarriage, which produces very few Jewish adults, combined with one of the world's lowest birthrates, have demographic consequences that are now starting to hit.
The stereotypic high-achieving, high-earning, highly assimilated liberal-pacifist-universalist "mainstream" will simply disappear in the next few decades through demographic collapse. I don't say so- the numbers do.
In the NYC metro area, which holds nearly a third of all the Jews in the US, 74% of last year's Jewish births were to the Orthodox community. That's the future , like it or not.
My wife's confirmation class at a big Ohio Reform temple had 141 kids. This year there were ten. Here in Orange County CA the big Reform temples had similar classes or none at all. The religious schools, still busy in the 90s, are ghost towns. The phenomenon is coast-to-coast.
Given a social event at a Frum family's house, you'll see strollers lined up outside. You'll see none elsewhere in the Jewish community. As a demographic indicator it speaks for itself.
I fully expect my 27 year old daughter to live to see all the Reform temples close and the population upon which they draw disappear. The thought delights me.
(42) Robin, October 7, 2013 3:59 AM
Clergy and leadership...
I blame a large part on the loss to assimilation of the majority of the Jews to the attitude of the clergy and our synogogues towards singles, both young and old. The synogogues cater beautifully to young families, but have forgotten particular female singles. They're a little more welcoming to eligible bachelors. There are rarely any single's events at synogogues. And those events were done with no imagination..All they offered was l oud music, bad food that usually ran out early. There weren't any attempts to bring anyone using some sort of adult games of introduction..Why the Churches are so far ahead of us in getting people together socially may help explain why churches are filled on Sunday.
(41) Avrohom, October 7, 2013 3:43 AM
Jews use the lunar calendar...
Jews use the lunar calendar as a symbol of the Jewish peoples comparison to the moon. Just as the moon may fade away at times, it will not be long before it will be back in full.
(40) Mayer Jacobovits, October 7, 2013 3:01 AM
We will survive!
We have been worried about survival every year for more than 2,000 year! The truth is that we as Jews are in a better situation today than we have been in the last 2,000 years! But than if we wouldn't worry, we would not be Jews! OY GEVALT!
(39) Joanne, October 7, 2013 12:41 AM
Hope for the Future is very Jewish
Despite the sad poll results, many secular Jews do uphold the concepts of Judaism: helping the less fortunate, charity, and belief in the sanctity of human life. If they only knew where those ideas came from -- the Torah
Anonymous, October 7, 2013 6:47 PM
They follow their internal compass.
From my experience, I have found that people in general are good by nature. I can't say that I have found the religiously observant more likely to be be nicer, more charitable or more caring than the person who has no religious leanings at all. (If anything, I have found atheists more proactive in helping their fellow beings in any way they can, than the religious individual is, who tends to limit their charity to their religious organizations.)
Why are they (the non-religious people) charitable and caring? Because it feels right. Their internal compass leads them in that direction. Since they do not read the Torah or any religious writings, they are NOT getting those ideas from Torah or anyone else's bible (or Koran, etc).
(38) Reuben, October 7, 2013 12:03 AM
Own worst enemies
It would seem that only when Jews are presented with an eternal existential threat, do they stick together and maintain their Jewish identity.With none, we abandon and assimilate. Perhaps that's why our history is rife with stories of enemies who arise against us. Are they the sadly necessary evil ensuring our continued identity and survival?
If the generation so close to Hashem, taken out of Egypt and having received the Torah stumbled time and time again, can we hope for better of today's Jews? We'll have to stay tuned.
(37) Jeff, October 6, 2013 11:30 PM
self-hating left wing Jewish leaders
For over 20 years, i have written emails to Jewish leaders in the USA and Canada about intermarriage and young Jews having little or NO identity. No one in the USA or Canada has even responded. it is an embarrassment and a sick joke that the so called Jewish leaders pretend to care about young Jews and Jewish identity but when it comes to NEW ideas, they ignore, and worse, they give their millions and billion to NON Jewish causes so they can have their NAMES on buildings when the Jewish poverty rate is equal to the NON Jewish poverty rate, even though there are multiple Jewish Billionaires and wealthy Jews in North America
Anonymous, October 7, 2013 10:57 PM
so true
Great comment..so true..amazing to see all the Jewish names on buildings such as art museums, concert halls, schools etc...as a volunteer I see so much that is wasted on things that are feel good projects but do very little if anything to educate and help further our young people to get them engaged in Judaism and the community
(36) Anonymous, October 6, 2013 11:18 PM
Pew Report
I understand the Rabbi's concern. This issue has been on my mind the past couple years. I was raised in a community with very few Jews and even though we had a synagogue (of which my Grandfather was an original member), my parents only belonged for one year when I was around eight years old. There is an old adage about your child marrying into the race/religion of the people he/she is used to being around. My parents chose to raise me in the community they were most comfortable with...one that was primarily White, Christian, and Republican. Due to the lack of Jewish affiliation, I was more comfortable with the people around me and not with my own people, and with the fact that I don't have any Semitic features, it made it harder to attract my own kind. Now I have come to appreciate my own people that much more, and am pursuing religious websites and eventually a religious group or synagogue to join. Not everyone like me will turn around years later and discover their own people. That is why I think there is a good possibility that if we don't wake up and reach out to one another, there will be noone to eventually reach out to.
(35) Stewart Beveridge, October 6, 2013 11:01 PM
The vanishing people.
Sad but apparently true. In an era where there is plenty of plenty the relevance of oer Divine Protector seems to be diminished to our survival. This is not new,as studies in our history show. The race and the culture become more resilient under persecution. One of the downsides is that we tending to be overtaken by the spurious religions of commercialism and Islam, to our detriment.
(34) Guy, October 6, 2013 10:39 PM
I what you're saying is...
There is no question that Klal Yisroel will survive, because that's an explicit promise from God, but out doesn't really help the poor, Jews, who don't stand much of a chance of being part of this Klal. We need to reach out to the unaffiliated, at the end of the day, not because it makes a difference to Klal Yisroel, but because it makes a difference to each individual. Why shouldn't they have a piece of what we've got? And that's our responsibility. And that's what Hashem wants, right?
(33) Meir, October 6, 2013 10:02 PM
"...people have been writing our obit...from our birth..".
This report is about American Jews and so does not suggest the demise of Jews-only those living in the US.
The center of Jewish life has shifted to Israel, much like there was always a new center of Jewish life developing as the old center was about to come to an end, usually because of persecution. i.e. Eastern Europe took over just as Spanish Jewry came to an end. The US took over just as the Eastern European Jewish center came to an end etc.
(32) Bob Baird, October 6, 2013 9:49 PM
Many more Americans Identify as Jews than Jews acknowledge as Jews.
According to the PEW report, he number of Americans who identify themselves as Jews is more than 11 million; we only acknowledge 5.5 million. There is a major disconnect. Perhaps we are not creating and redesigning Jewish institutions to be more inclusive.
(31) Susan Zale, October 6, 2013 9:46 PM
Vanishing American Jew
This is, indeed, very painful and sad.
(30) Anonymous, October 6, 2013 9:42 PM
Decreasing commitment to Judaism
The problem is basically with the non-Orthodox Jews.
I believe that there are three major issues:
1. Parents need to take Judaism more seriously and thus set an example for the children. As Albert Einstein once said: "setting an example is not the best way to influence another, it's the only way".
2. Parents need to tell their children that it is important to marry fellow Jews and why. Resources should be available to help them with this important endeavor.
3. Synagogues need to be more welcoming to new members and guests.
I have attended High Holy Day services at a local Chabad center. After services the Rebbetzin greeted me and said that she was happy that I was able to join them and hoped that I would come more often. With this type of approach maybe, just maybe more people would want to attend services more often
(29) Alex Troy, October 6, 2013 9:27 PM
It's not just the Jews; Wake Up America
Polls capture trends more readily than truth. But, the Pew Research report uncovered a deep and disturbing truth about America: we are not a serious nation. 42% of American Jews consider a good sense of humor the characteristic that best exemplifies being Jewish?
Yes, that's bad news for the future of American Jewry. It doesn't bode well for the USA either when a minority known for revering its heritage sees itself as a tribe of stand-up comics.
We Americans -Jews and Gentiles-are a nation of sleepwalkers, shrugging off Syria, the Iranian mullahs, our insolvent government and our broken politics as background noise.
America needs a Jeremiah to rouse it from its sleep. May he or she come quickly before something far more jarring wakes us up.
(28) ruth d, October 6, 2013 9:25 PM
Jewish education is the antidote to assimilation
(27) jgarbuz, October 6, 2013 9:17 PM
About half of American Jewry will assimilate out.
I hope Israel will make aliyah less troublesome and more worthwhile in order to entice at least 1 million American Jews to come to Israel and to stay. But they will stay only if Israel does its utmost to make them feel as wanted and comfortable as possible. Making English the third official language would help a lot. And laws protecting olim from predators would help even more.
(26) Anonymous, October 6, 2013 7:25 PM
Baruch Hashem for your optimism. I too believe that G-d has entrusted us with a special mission and that He will not allow His nation to fail.
(25) Jerry Lewin, October 6, 2013 6:50 PM
Great article. You hit it on the head.
I come from a very religious home. My brother is a Lubavitch Chassid. I integrated to the American way of life without including the religious aspect in my life. My wife is a Jewish American who knows little of Judaism. My daughter married a gentile. It is this exact point that you are making. I specifically recall telling my mother-in-law (may she rest in peace) that if it weren't for the pious Jews that Judaism would not have existed today. I find this more and more to be true and have no one else to blame but myself and other Jews like me. Thank you for your article.
(24) Anonymous, October 6, 2013 6:35 PM
Orthodox say Convervatives and below are already "vanished".
Father's family was Orthodox, Mother's family was reform. They married without a ketuba and ran a Conservative household for compromise. Us children all had Hebrew School, bar/bat mitzvah, etc. Thirty years ago I tried to make aliyah only to be told by the charge' d' affairs (who was Orthodox) that because I could not produce a copy of a ketuba from either my parents wedding or my grandmother's wedding, that I was not a Jew at all. I spend an entire lifetime trying to be Jewish and I'm told by an authoritative source that I am fake? I knew I couldn't take on the rigor of Orthodox observance... so I gave up. I became secular and eventually married out of faith. If you want to find a reason for disappearing Jews, it's because of Orthodox intolerance for any lesser level of observance than their own.
Baruch Ben-Yosef, October 7, 2013 11:24 PM
A sad story
That was a sad story. Hillel the Elder would have welcomed you. You're not "fake". His rival, Shammai, would have excluded you. Lamentable.
benjmain, October 8, 2013 1:56 AM
wrong attitude
oh I get it. Since you couldn't prove that you were Jewish, you decided to leave the faith. That makes a lot of sense.
(23) Jonathan, October 6, 2013 6:01 PM
Nothing to be optimistic
there is nothing to be optimistic about this. I see it in every day life. Worse I see fellow Jews who not only not care about being Jewish but act in ways that are very sinful. A great punishment from G-d is coming accordingly as it always does when a critical mass of Jews turn away from Torah.
(22) Anon, October 6, 2013 6:01 PM
The problem is lack of community
Wow this should be a wake up call . The holocaust , the attempt of the Nazis to destroy our people and wipe Judaism off the earth has not effected or influenced today's modern Jews because ironically in this age of prosperity for Jews in the US, the freedoms to practice our religion has led to Jews not feeling any push or desire to practice their tradition - that's because Jews today do t feel part of a community that makes Judaism an important part of ones identity - community is lacking in secular Jewish life ... The orthodox are the only Jews who make Jewish community paramount and the instillment of Judaism important since birth .. We have to make the Jewish community inviting and welcoming and a second home for all Jews we are all looking for community and a sense of belonging but sadly many Jews don't feel this way towards their synagogues etc which is part of the problem
(21) Jeremy, October 6, 2013 5:49 PM
Assimilation works well both ways
My mothers grandparents married out. So did my father’s grandmother. I was brought up with no identity and no tradition beyond the occasional box of Matsos.
Christian teaching at school branded the Jews as “Old Testament” unable to keep up with the new teaching that they had to offer. This did not fit in with my view of my Jewish grandfather. He was up to date, intelligent, and passionate about his grandchildren seizing the good opportunities in life.
I rejected Christian teaching. If there was any truth in it, it was that the carpenter from Nazareth, a nice man, was no more a son of G-d than anyone else and that he was Jewish.
At my grandfathers funeral I heard kaddish for the first time. The shock felt like an electrical charge. So I was related to aliens from another world.
1995 was the 50th anniversary of the end of the Shoah. I was more angry than sad. I resolved that the part of me that came from Jewish roots would not also perish because of my own ignorance. I determined to learn Jewish history, Jewish tradition, Jewish thought, Jewish language and visit Israel.
A few years later I converted to Judaism. In the same year I also married a Hindu lady; except she also converted to Judaism as did her little girl from her previous marriage who by now was 8. . We now have three beautiful Jewish children. The eldest has just come back from a Jewish youth tour of Israel. We keep Shabbat and festivals and go to cheder. Our guests for Shabbat or festivals are often of other religions and none. We have hardly ever encountered, prejudice or hostility from either Jews or non-Jews. Our children’s identities and sense of purpose in life is enhanced by comparing their identity and its diverse origins with those of our Christian, Muslim Hindu and other friends. They are proud of it and hungry for more.
Assimilation is good. It is what we can learn from the non-Jewish world and what it can assimilate from us.
(20) Avalina, October 6, 2013 5:44 PM
How do we teach Fear of G-d?
I'm not surprised by this report but I am saddened. How do you teach Yirat Shamayim? I am a G-d fearing gentile, my heart and soul is Jewish but which branch of Judaism would I convert to?
It is indeed a wake-up call for you all. We are waiting for you to be a light to us the gentiles... we wait...
(19) Claire, October 6, 2013 5:28 PM
So far there has been no information as to the composition and location of the population that was surveyed---It is a very small number to jump to such dire conclusions about.
(18) Baruch Ben-Yosef, October 6, 2013 5:18 PM
Not a numbers game
Jews and Judaism have been around for 4000 years or so - since the time of Avraham Avinu (the Patriarch Abraham). Islam has been around since the time of Mohammed, approximately 1400 years. There are more than a billion Moslems alive today, but only about 15 million Jews. Why such a big difference? Part of the answer seems to be that it's actually quite hard to be a Jew. Or, at least, a "real" Jew, a Torah-observant Jew, whose grandchildren wii be Jewish. Perhaps the 613 mitzvot act as a filter, filtering out those people who can't "hack it" as Jews. Also, there was a time, less than 400 years ago, when there were no Jews in what is now the USA. Perhaps in another 400 years (or less) this part of the world will be "Judenrein". (Tierra del Fuego and Greenland are currently Judenrein. So what?) But I'm quite sure that Jews will still exist, as we are "a stiff-necked people". The Crusades didn't destroy us, and neither did the Holocaust. Am Yisrael Chai!
Anonymous, October 7, 2013 6:10 PM
Catch more flies with sugar
FYI - You may be a Torah-observant Jew, or according to your own words, a "real" Jew, but I am as every bit a Jew as you are and I have absolutely no belief in God. I follow traditions, because I enjoy some of the cultural side of it, nothing more.
Your remark, as to who is a "real" Jew, is offensive and often the reason we "fake" Jews want less and less to do with "real" Jews and Judaism. This is NOT the first time I have heard/read remarks such as yours. Remember - you catch more flies with sugar than with a skunk's stink!
(17) Sandra Matuga, October 6, 2013 4:47 PM
A wake up call to be sure, thank you for the information!
Just as most Religious Traditions are vanishing, so too, the new generations of Jews are complacent to a fault. GOD help us all............
(16) Marvin Bigeleisen, October 6, 2013 4:37 PM
What do we do now?
In reading this report, We all sit back and read about the diminishing Jews in temples and more, Now for the test.
WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT? NIKI the speaker company has a logo JUST DO IT. what can we do to get the Jews back? We have to do something..
Thank you
Marvin Bigeleisen
Anonymous, October 7, 2013 6:04 PM
What do you suggest?
What are you going to do about the Jews who have absolutely no belief whatsoever in God? You are not going to convince them otherwise. People (mostly my elderly family member and frum friends) have tried to convince me for years. I can't and never could buy/accept the God concept they offered me.
People that those people accept the fact they are Jews and enjoy participating in the ritual customs that they choose. For them (and me) it is a cultural thing. That is all.
Telling the non-theist that they MUST observe tradition (which the frum hold as "law") or MUST have a belief in God falls on deaf ears, or worse - turns them off to Judaism completely.
(15) Antony (Chanan) Gordon, October 6, 2013 4:33 PM
The Pew Report - Spiritual Triage
Rabbi Blech,
Kudos on a well written analysis of the recent finding of the Pew Report. As someone who has dedicated many hundreds of hours (together with my co-author and friend, Richard Horowitz) to analyzing demographic and sociological trends in the Jewish world (see: "Will Your Grandchild Be Jewish?" - www.aish.com/jw/s/48910307.html), I concur with you wholeheartedly that we should construe the recent Pew Report as a 'Call to Action.' I am currently completing a presentation for the Rosh Yeshiva of Aish on what the ramifications of the Pew Research for the kiruv movement. The premise of my research can be summarized as follows: The recent publication of the Pew Research underscores the fact that the ‘clock is ticking’ in earnest. We have, at best, a couple of decades remaining to realistically expect to find disenfranchised Jews in America who are open to exploring the fact that the Torah is timeless and is G-d's Instruction Book of how to live a meaning life. This is unquestionably a unique period in Jewish history for Jews who share our concern about both the quantity and quality of Jews in America in the years ahead to be part of the solution rather than remain indifferent, and ergo, remain part of the problem.
Antony (Chanan) Gordon
(14) Wayne, October 6, 2013 4:18 PM
it's worse than that!
I read the research results, and what Rabbi Blech didn't mention is that a very high percentage of American Jews think that their Jewishness is best expressed by working for a better society, which in reality means blindly supporting the liberal Democrat party, no matter how much harm it does to those it is purported to help.
For those Jews who don't believe in G*d, please explain what possible reason there is to be a Jew or to claim Jewishness. If there is no G*d, then G*d didn't call Avraham (who in that case probably didn't exist anyway) and there is no mission or purpose for their being, other than accident of birth. By that standard, Muslims have just as much right to be proud of their birth. And if there is no G*d, then Jews have no more claim to the land of Israel than anyone else.
So I ask again, if you don't believe G*d even exists, what's the point in being a Jew?
(13) Dr. Alex PIster, October 6, 2013 3:56 PM
Torah Observance the real issue Pt. 2
A much more revealing study would show the exponential/explosive growth in the Torah observant world both here in America and everywhere else. I was just discussing this at our Shabbos table this week with a family member. There is a married couple we know who came from families of 3 children on each side of their marriage. None were raised Torah observant. When they married each other they became Torah observant. When asked why they responded that it is because the Torah is true and written by G-d. They currently have 22 1st degree relatives including they’re own 8 kids 7 grandchildren and 5 married kids with one more grandchild due anytime. The other two remaining siblings on the wife’s side have 5 kids in total one of them living with a non Jew twice her age and no kids, another an unmarried devout Buddhist with no kids and three from the 3rd sibling who themselves have chosen a Torah observant lifestyle. On the husbands side one sibling is Sabbath observant and has three kids and the other sibling was intermarried to a non Jewish woman. They are now divorced with one child who by Jewish law is not Jewish. This pretty much sums it up. We in the Torah observant world need to hear the “real wakeup call”. And that is our responsibility to spread the message of the Truth of Torah and its observance. Sending the link to Aish.com to all Jews family or friend is amongst the best ways to do so.
(12) Dr. Alex Pister, October 6, 2013 3:55 PM
Torah Observance the real issue Pt. 1
No disrespect to Pew Inc. but what they’re looking at in their study are the symptoms as opposed to the cause. In reality there is only one issue at stake here. All the studies in the world won’t solve anything. What keeps Judaism alive and thriving is authentic Torah observance. The rest is an outgrowth of that fundamental truth. If at ones core one sees that the Torah is written by G-d and that it was given to the Jewish People on Mt. Sinai one will either choose to live with this truth or not. If one chooses to live with this truth he/she will remain part of the Jewish People. But just remaining part of the Jewish People isn’t the goal; it’s a natural consequence. What really is happening both here in America and everywhere else is the disappearance of the non Torah observant Jewish world. This includes Israel. So much so that the most secular of politicians are courting the Torah observant vote. They’re even forming political partnerships with Yeshiva graduates and Rabbis.
(11) Aryeh Markovich, October 6, 2013 3:38 PM
Well written.
What your article is missing is that the Orthodox segment of Judaism is the only group that is growing, but also in staggering numbers as the Pew Institute mentions in their reseach. The Torah true Jews who keep the authentic Torah have survived assimilation and continue build the Jewish community.
(10) Kenan Moss, October 6, 2013 3:36 PM
On being a Jew
I too am troubled by the lack of interest shown by so many. I have an illegitamate son by a non-Jewish woman. Strangely enough he has been more moved by the depth of our peoples history than his half brother whose mother is Jewish. I have spoken to each of them of our ancestry: of being the only people on earth that have a sacred book that is about them: of knowing who the founder of our immense family was and that we can visit his tomb. That we are the heirs to the most important ethical treatise in history (a fact even Christians admit) that, incredibly continues to inspire new conceptions of our relation to our world. And that against all odds we have survived, is a miracle. Yet Ronnen thinks this is morbid, passé and best forgotten: Michael, however is in awe of being part of all this: of being a link in an unending chain. Yet here the Rabbis say that he isn't and can't be a Jew.
(9) Rob M, October 6, 2013 3:27 PM
Here's one reason...
Rabbi, I agree with the sentiment of your article but find that one of the root causes has been left out. That is that without a formal Jewish education being Jewish is completely alien to the uninitiated. Imagine going to an opera sung completely in Latin. That's how most jews who were not educated in the Torah and the meaning behind the holidays see going to shul. I speak from experience. Going to shul to me was always a chore, hours upon hours of mumbling prayers that meant nothing to me only to leave not feeling the least bit enlightened. My only prayer was that my "sacrifice" for having attended was looked upon favorably. I'm 47 now and have two small children that I'm trying to bring up with an appreciation and understanding of what it all means, most of which I'm still learning through articles on Aish. I agree that action needs to be taken and tradition needs to be upheld, but an accommodation needs to be made to reach out and understand from where these people are coming from, or have not come from and explain things in a way that they understand.
(8) Anonymous, October 6, 2013 3:26 PM
Standing as one
Thanks for your post. It both shook me and uplifted my determination. After living 5 years in Jersey. I made it back to Brazil. In search for a soul path, started delving into Judaism and even found out connections of my ancestors to Sefaradits. Well, this needen't go posted, please. I just seek advice and pray, please. While that figure has been so in America, down in Brazil we have faced difficulties in getting properly converted, However, we cant let go of our unity and, no matter how dispersed Diapora may go, together we shall stand. H" Echad!
(7) Anonymous, October 6, 2013 3:17 PM
My family immigrated to the USA from South Africa where there was and still is a vibrant and strong Jewush community. It has been a very scary ride for us here watching my sons Americanise themselves. They are both now married TG to Jewish girls (from reform backgrounds) but I worry for their future.
(6) Anonymous, October 6, 2013 3:11 PM
The Answer
A lot of this would not be happening if Jewish institutions and people were more welcoming to the spouse that undergoes conversion to Judaism. I have found that even after conversion the Jewish community does not welcome me or my children no matter how much money and effort is thrown at it. This is a great loss for Jews in general and turns thousands of potentially highly observant souls into non-Jews. Unfortunately, many of these folks write for Aish regularly and express that opinion as well. So, you are seeing the result of the seeds you have sown.
Anonymous, October 7, 2013 2:17 PM
Agree
I converted to Judaism as well, and while most of the people at shul have been very welcoming, there have been some both there and outside my community who act as if I'm not a *real* Jew. There is too much focus on Jews as a "race" and culture than on Judaism itself in the United States. I agree - a better attitude on the part of people who were born into the religion towards converts is one answer to the problem, since most of the time converts are the most religiously observant people in many Jewish communities.
(5) Frank Adam, October 6, 2013 3:09 PM
Jews are like other people only more so - GB Shaw
The Jewish breast beaters forget that one reason for low intermarriage was that the gentiles did not wish to intermarry either and everybody took religion very much more seriously than now.
The fact that NOT only are young Jews intermarrying but that young gentiles are willing to intermarry with them shows that out there in general society and the zeitgeist the formal observance or concern with traditional religion has faded badly all round. Moslem fury is a fear of following the same fate.
Explain the fade and you are on the way to salvaging religion - for all denominations. What is clear is that mere drilling, enforcemant and observance is NOT enough - no more than patriotism is enough to run a national community.
People have toobtain a reward for thei
(4) Shoshannah, October 6, 2013 3:03 PM
There are so many depressing components to this.
I have been following this problem for a few years, and I have also noticed that as the religious observance of Jews continues to downgrade, the antisemitism continues to once again upgrade in Europe and other parts of the world. Sometimes, although I was not born before WW2, I feel like I am gaining empathy, where before it was sympathy, for Jews living in say, 1933. B"H we still do have a lot to appreciate and an opportunity to help turn this around. Todah for the article.
(3) Anonymous, October 6, 2013 3:02 PM
Ideas, thoughts, & answers??
1.Let Jewish organizations take the lead, join together, raise the funds, to offer a FREE Jewish education to any Jewish child, who's parents "hold out their hand" to ask. Education is Key -and the most important campaign 2. For adults, start a campaign "Invite a Jew to Shabbos/Shabbat" - there is nothing more impacting to the secular Jew perhaps, than to experience a REAL Shabbat, and observe how it's done, and the "feeling" and blessings of peace, unity, community, family, tradition, that go with that - it changes lives forever and leaves an impression that cannot be forgotten or dismissed. 3. Tefillah - Torah observant Jews who love HaShem, should in turn love and pray for our brothers and sisters who are lost. In unity, if we make this a focus together in our davening, I can only imagine the impact that alone would have on secular Jewish lives today - what are we waiting for? - For them to come to us often, but let's face it, many of them are too far gone, and too scared and lost to come to us. - Prayer - personal connection - education... these are the three that stand out to me. ~~~ Regardless, along with the author, I am also naturally optimistic - HaShem ALWAYS has His remnant! - And those of us who are His remnant and keep the Torah and live in His covering and blessings every day, should love Him back through loving our fellow Jew, and doing what we can to hold on and maintain that cohesiveness that comes with the covenant and relationship with G-d and each other! Of course the responsibility is first with every parent to teach their children, but when the parents don't know and don't teach, every Jew becomes the teacher and parent to these children (or adults) they are like orphans without parents to teach them! ~~~Most all of us know an non-observant Jew, start now ...... send an email of friendship, a link to an Aish article, or even better an invitation, let them know you "care" & their Judaism matters to all of us.
(2) Emet, October 6, 2013 2:41 PM
It's called refining
If you want to refine a precious metal, you heat it up and remove the superfluous/impure metals, dross. So i would suggest that the pure Jews left after the assimilation/purification process are the "real deal". Perhaps it is a good thing. Remember that guy Noah, bet he felt pretty alone too.
(1) Anonymous, October 6, 2013 1:57 PM
Thoughts
As a child of a Jewish mother, and non jewish father, it has been difficult to assimilate into the Jewish faith. Having been raised as neither Jew, or Christian, it have longed to feel a sense of belonging to the "side" that makes the most sense to me. It is often hard to go back to something that I was never fully a part of as a child. Walking into well established groups, and Not knowing everything, but still being Jewish by heritage, blood and mostly Desire. Taking classes where those similar to me feel like outsiders. Yes, I know, push on. And I do, but from those of us in similar situations we are often made to feel inferior, somehow, that we weren't raised in a totally Jewish manor.
I believe I most identify with more conservative leanings, but I feel that there is no way I could ever be taken seriously in that side of the Religion. With this said, I am Proud of whom I have evolved into, my background, and my religion. I wish there were more ways for people to be welcomed back into their rightful places..... With continuing education as a part of it. I can only speak for myself, but it feels that I am stuck somewhere in the middle of two worlds.