Whoa! Secular Jews poorly defined and then assumed to be the Jews who jump ship. So many of our greatest thinkers have been secular Jews who would (and many did) die for Israel rights and the rights of Jews in the Diaspora. Big generalisation and it’s hurtful to many of us. Reminded me of an incident in Zurich in which my father was involved: he and my mother were in the subway station and saw a group of antisemites attacking a Yeshiva student. My father swore internally at the student who was dressed as if he were in 18 th century Poland. He then beat the louts who were attacking the student. What choice did he have? He is Jewish so , of course, he fights for his fellow Jews regardless of their expression of their Judaism. One is no more righteous than the other.
Hi. I define Secular Judaism quite strictly. Let's work on this point - because there is a difference between secular, traditional and orthodox.
Some stats:
- Among Jews who married since 2010, approximately 61% married a non-Jewish spouse (see Pew research)
- Among Jews with a non-Jewish spouse, only about 28% are raising their children Jewish by religion.
- Intermarriage can mean lower rates of Jewish practice/education and over reliance on ethnicity/ancestry
- Jewish population surveys have consistently showed less identification as Jewish when Jewish education, Jewish community affiliation, and Jewish religious practice is lacking (NJPS)
- Without strong practice and community engagement, Jewish identity tends to weaken significantly with each generation (SSRI)
But stats are stats are stats.
A secular Jew who is atheist but practices some high holidays and shabbat or has a mish-mash of practice interwoven with Jewish stories is likely not the secular Jew defined in the essay, in fact we could debate what makes the "Traditional Jew".
We can also argue about the Antizionist Orthodox Jew.
But that's beyond the scope of this essay which is about what will sustain Jewish life in less than 1500 words.
“- Without strong practice and community engagement, Jewish identity tends to weaken significantly with each generation (SSRI)
But stats are stats are stats.
A secular Jew who is atheist but practices some high holidays and shabbat or has a mish-mash of practice interwoven with Jewish stories is likely not the secular Jew defined in the essay, in fact we could debate what makes the "Traditional Jew". “
It would be too long and complex to explain, but I take issue with the first sentence I quoted (and have no idea what SSRI is other than a med I take): I’m 70. I’ve felt Jewish all my life…my maternal grandmother was Jewish, I lived with her and her Church of Ireland husband until I was five, along with my parents, and then saw her daily till I was 18 and went to college. We lived in the east end of Glasgow (Scotland) on a council estate and were, to my knowledge, the only Jewish presence. It was a Presbyterian area, with a few Catholics; my friends and schooling were basic Protestant. I kept my feeling of being Jewish all my life, then around twenty years ago began to explore how I could be observant in some way … until October 7th, when everything changed.
I’m Jewish. I was not brought up to be observant, no strong practice, no community engagement, two generations on, but a Jew. I know that beyond all else. Whatever “identity weakening” occurred throughout my life, that thread was strong and there: I do what I can, being housebound and in an area with no Jewish presence.
“Stats etc” is meaningless without context and sources; and why 2010? My Jewish background comes from mid 19th century Russia, when my grandmothers parents came to the U.K. to escape the pogroms. I am Jewish because of them and hope that I honour their memory in some way with what I try to do. It’s the best I can, in the circumstances I am in.
(I don’t know if I’d be in your secular category… but my “mish-mash” is from the heart and I believe that that matters. I do what I can, and what I think and hope I can sustain, even if it isn’t a lot. And while I do understand what you are trying to get at, I find that description - for myself, at least - rather insulting)
I have a limited amount of ability for concentration (stroke and other health related) and have to prioritise on what things I use it; so, no, I’m not heading to google for this…you really added nothing. I’m still none the wiser about the point/purposes and am baffled by the concentration on such recent marriage study.
Alex Bee: "I’m Jewish. I was not brought up to be observant, no strong practice, no community engagement, two generations on, but a Jew. I know that beyond all else."
Alex, indeed YOU ARE. If you found this post insulting, it is because it was, and the author did nothing to address that other than dig in her heels. As I'm sure you know (after all you're 70), you'll find intolerance in all circles, even from time to time, on the pages of Future of Jewish (you may recall another post that argued that Reform Jews were not Jewish but an entirely different religion, which also insulted many readers at a time when the Jewish community is already experiencing traumatic invalidation).
Hava, you keep claiming that you defined secular Judaism quite strictly. I did not remember you doing so and I went back to your essay to see how you defined it. I don't see any clear definition, let alone strict. Secularism and atheism are not the same thing, and neither is well defined. An atheist does not believe in God, but a secularist may very well believe in God, yet believe the function of the state should be conducted without the imposition of religion (i.e., separation of church and state). If Jews remained waiting for the messiah to return to the land of Israel, there would be no modern state of Israel. The most Jewish thing in the world today -- Israel -- is largely a product of secular Jewish activity. The aspiration of a people to return to their ancestral homeland, whether or not they believed in God. For most atheist Jews in living in the Disapora, they feel a strong connection to Israel--stronger than to bagels--so you are not defining secularism tightly, you are defining it disparagingly, which is why you are encountering some pushback from readers.
I’m sorry but I don’t agree with your article. In my opinion, post October 7th Jewish community and participation has increased significantly. I see more Jews than ever proudly wearing their Magen David’s in the streets, including the younger generation.
There needs to be a concerted effort to push the Hebrew language to the forefront as part of Jewish education. Ireland speaks the language of their coloniser. If you want to strengthen a bond between the diaspora and Israel share the language.
I feel that if more jews were invited to the joy of our faith, great rabbinic teachings and wisdom, people may come appreciate the treasure we were gifted.
I feel we are having a spritual awakening since October 7th, which can be built upon.
If secular Jews think that their movement from Zionism will save them around the world then they ARE daft. When push comes to shove the enemies of Judaism will not make any distinction between secular and religious Jews and the same thought that the Nazis had about destroying all Jews will, as it seems to be happening these days, once again rear its ugly head and today Islam is the lead agency in this persecution and don't think there is ANY accomodation with them.
Contemporary CRT Red-Green-AltR jargon speak for Jewish identity. Something not contested for anyone else. In fact, lauded and celebrated such as Women's identity, Black identity, Brown identity, Queer identity, and, not to belabour the obvious, the National identities of all other peoples.
Hava, I appreciate and fundamentally agree with your insightful commentary as an Israel born secular Jewish anthropologist living in Australia - the dilution of tradition is a challenge for all distinct groups in majority dominant societies. But I wonder how other groups manage, especially for example, Chinese people from mainland China or Taiwan who live diasporically: they maintain their distinct Chinese identity and links to community despite assimilation quite successfully, maybe rates of intermarriage are lower, I am not sure of any statistics on this demographic question. Any thoughts? I think it is important to look for comparative cases of discrimination and assimilatory success and not over focus on Jewish exceptionalism despite the horrors of industrial scale mass murder as in the Holocaust.
Chinese culture (and I can add Hindu culture to the mix) is maintained with thick cultural traditions, rituals, family practices (arranged marriages for example) and centred around temples/communal life. I think a comparative analysis would be a worthy direction for this.
However, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by don’t overfocus on Jewish exceptionalism.
We are in a period of real and great external and internal crisis. If someone else has better ideas for Jewish continuity I want to hear them? Genuinely. We should be discussing them. We need good ideas. Yes we can definitely learn from others. Scholarship on Hinduism for example shows that when you identify as a Hindu it is a given that you are practicing because it is based on dharmic life and ritual - not belief per se. Moreover, Hinduism is conceived as civilisational and even has ethno-religious facets.
Thank you. I think this article is very insightful, thought provoking and holds legitimate concerns that I’ve seen play out truthfully myself with not good outcomes!! I think this article is a needed cultural discussion and very valuable as many are not aware of this. Thankful for those special few who have saved the history and culture and have passed it down over centuries. Many were not able to do so. There are many unique ways of sharing light, appreciating them all. There can be flexibility and aspects can be debated and we love a good debate. Love and Light. Bravo!
I am an atheist, with a very strong Jewish identity. I often enjoy practicing Jewish traditions but I tend to make them my own, infusing them with ideas and thoughts that reflect a more contemporary ideology. For example, I wrote my own Haggadah. Everyone loves it. I see this as the future of Judaism. The religion has always adapted and morphed over the centuries; that's the only way it survives. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, we should be proud that we can easily update Judaism to mesh with modern Western values.
I should add that I am 70, was raised as a bagels and lox Jew, raised my kids as conservadox (Conservative summer camp / yeshiva day school) and post-divorce, a clear atheist.
You could rephrase your 2 problems that you initially set out as:
1. persecuted - reqs the need to fight or take a slave mentality, and
2. assimilation - reqs learning Torah and Mitzvot (what you call ritual), as well as an environment of Jews & Torah (as you point out that Israelis lose their connection without living in Israel.)
The solution is for 'religious' people to fight and 'secular' people to learn and do some Mitzvot. These 2 appear distant from one another except in a few religious zionists, as we call them.
In the old days of Tanach, we see the warrior and observant within one body and one mind. We need, at least, leaders who embody the warrior AND the observant/knowledgeable. Rav Avraham Yitzchok HaCohen Kook and the Lubavitcher Rebbe seemed like the last well known leaders to embody both. Of course there are other minor figures, too.
The Charedi have made a tragic decision - other than Chabad - to ignore and denigrate an entire side of life and side of Jews instead of cultivating it like Rav Kook and the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Even many of the religious zionists kowtow to the Charedi. Religious leadership should come from the Charedi, but most have washed their hands of their 'filthy' Jew brothers and sisters.
The simple fact is that among those members of my family who were secular Jews..........there was not a single Jewish descendant within two to three generations. These are the facts.
Interesting article and comments. So, can we say a Jew is a Jew is a Jew. Or must we first define what is a jew or as I am often lectured why does it matter? I know I am being sarcastic but every time issues abd debates like this arise I keep coming back to the same basic question. And I submit today the question is a lot more important than it was when I grew up. Or like so.many other things today it is simply however an individual defines it. I discussed this question the other night with good friends who are Catholic but began by asking what makes a person a Christian. They had no problem answering that question by the way
So who's responsible for this demise? Haredim. Thy hijack the religion and declared "...our way or no way". The new secular generation wants to be as far as possible from this group of individuals who in the eyes of non-jews defy our existence. They killed the nation 2000 years ago and they will do it again and again. I need one example of any of them receiving a Nobel Price.
Whoa! Secular Jews poorly defined and then assumed to be the Jews who jump ship. So many of our greatest thinkers have been secular Jews who would (and many did) die for Israel rights and the rights of Jews in the Diaspora. Big generalisation and it’s hurtful to many of us. Reminded me of an incident in Zurich in which my father was involved: he and my mother were in the subway station and saw a group of antisemites attacking a Yeshiva student. My father swore internally at the student who was dressed as if he were in 18 th century Poland. He then beat the louts who were attacking the student. What choice did he have? He is Jewish so , of course, he fights for his fellow Jews regardless of their expression of their Judaism. One is no more righteous than the other.
Hi. I define Secular Judaism quite strictly. Let's work on this point - because there is a difference between secular, traditional and orthodox.
Some stats:
- Among Jews who married since 2010, approximately 61% married a non-Jewish spouse (see Pew research)
- Among Jews with a non-Jewish spouse, only about 28% are raising their children Jewish by religion.
- Intermarriage can mean lower rates of Jewish practice/education and over reliance on ethnicity/ancestry
- Jewish population surveys have consistently showed less identification as Jewish when Jewish education, Jewish community affiliation, and Jewish religious practice is lacking (NJPS)
- Without strong practice and community engagement, Jewish identity tends to weaken significantly with each generation (SSRI)
But stats are stats are stats.
A secular Jew who is atheist but practices some high holidays and shabbat or has a mish-mash of practice interwoven with Jewish stories is likely not the secular Jew defined in the essay, in fact we could debate what makes the "Traditional Jew".
We can also argue about the Antizionist Orthodox Jew.
But that's beyond the scope of this essay which is about what will sustain Jewish life in less than 1500 words.
You certainly sparked a debate and THAT is so Jewish. Well done even if your “stats” are just correlations with so many hidden variables
“- Without strong practice and community engagement, Jewish identity tends to weaken significantly with each generation (SSRI)
But stats are stats are stats.
A secular Jew who is atheist but practices some high holidays and shabbat or has a mish-mash of practice interwoven with Jewish stories is likely not the secular Jew defined in the essay, in fact we could debate what makes the "Traditional Jew". “
*****************************************************
It would be too long and complex to explain, but I take issue with the first sentence I quoted (and have no idea what SSRI is other than a med I take): I’m 70. I’ve felt Jewish all my life…my maternal grandmother was Jewish, I lived with her and her Church of Ireland husband until I was five, along with my parents, and then saw her daily till I was 18 and went to college. We lived in the east end of Glasgow (Scotland) on a council estate and were, to my knowledge, the only Jewish presence. It was a Presbyterian area, with a few Catholics; my friends and schooling were basic Protestant. I kept my feeling of being Jewish all my life, then around twenty years ago began to explore how I could be observant in some way … until October 7th, when everything changed.
I’m Jewish. I was not brought up to be observant, no strong practice, no community engagement, two generations on, but a Jew. I know that beyond all else. Whatever “identity weakening” occurred throughout my life, that thread was strong and there: I do what I can, being housebound and in an area with no Jewish presence.
“Stats etc” is meaningless without context and sources; and why 2010? My Jewish background comes from mid 19th century Russia, when my grandmothers parents came to the U.K. to escape the pogroms. I am Jewish because of them and hope that I honour their memory in some way with what I try to do. It’s the best I can, in the circumstances I am in.
(I don’t know if I’d be in your secular category… but my “mish-mash” is from the heart and I believe that that matters. I do what I can, and what I think and hope I can sustain, even if it isn’t a lot. And while I do understand what you are trying to get at, I find that description - for myself, at least - rather insulting)
Brandeis: Steinhardt Social Research Institute (SSRI).
The 2010 ref was Pew Research - but the study was a Pew 2020 study of marriages that occured in 2010 so that they could gauge children.
I have a limited amount of ability for concentration (stroke and other health related) and have to prioritise on what things I use it; so, no, I’m not heading to google for this…you really added nothing. I’m still none the wiser about the point/purposes and am baffled by the concentration on such recent marriage study.
Alex Bee: "I’m Jewish. I was not brought up to be observant, no strong practice, no community engagement, two generations on, but a Jew. I know that beyond all else."
Alex, indeed YOU ARE. If you found this post insulting, it is because it was, and the author did nothing to address that other than dig in her heels. As I'm sure you know (after all you're 70), you'll find intolerance in all circles, even from time to time, on the pages of Future of Jewish (you may recall another post that argued that Reform Jews were not Jewish but an entirely different religion, which also insulted many readers at a time when the Jewish community is already experiencing traumatic invalidation).
David, thank you for your support and kindness: very much appreciated
Not at all, Alex!
I discuss the current traumatic invalidation of the Jewish community in the preprint below, in case you're interested. Be well,
David
Mandel, D. R. After 10/7: Normalization of antisemitism in the West. https://osf.io/preprints/socarxiv/dw6nx_v1
Very interested… thank you, David
Hava, you keep claiming that you defined secular Judaism quite strictly. I did not remember you doing so and I went back to your essay to see how you defined it. I don't see any clear definition, let alone strict. Secularism and atheism are not the same thing, and neither is well defined. An atheist does not believe in God, but a secularist may very well believe in God, yet believe the function of the state should be conducted without the imposition of religion (i.e., separation of church and state). If Jews remained waiting for the messiah to return to the land of Israel, there would be no modern state of Israel. The most Jewish thing in the world today -- Israel -- is largely a product of secular Jewish activity. The aspiration of a people to return to their ancestral homeland, whether or not they believed in God. For most atheist Jews in living in the Disapora, they feel a strong connection to Israel--stronger than to bagels--so you are not defining secularism tightly, you are defining it disparagingly, which is why you are encountering some pushback from readers.
I’m sorry but I don’t agree with your article. In my opinion, post October 7th Jewish community and participation has increased significantly. I see more Jews than ever proudly wearing their Magen David’s in the streets, including the younger generation.
One could argue that this exactly the kind of cultural revival I am arguing for no?
There needs to be a concerted effort to push the Hebrew language to the forefront as part of Jewish education. Ireland speaks the language of their coloniser. If you want to strengthen a bond between the diaspora and Israel share the language.
This is an interesting article Hava.
I feel that if more jews were invited to the joy of our faith, great rabbinic teachings and wisdom, people may come appreciate the treasure we were gifted.
I feel we are having a spritual awakening since October 7th, which can be built upon.
If secular Jews think that their movement from Zionism will save them around the world then they ARE daft. When push comes to shove the enemies of Judaism will not make any distinction between secular and religious Jews and the same thought that the Nazis had about destroying all Jews will, as it seems to be happening these days, once again rear its ugly head and today Islam is the lead agency in this persecution and don't think there is ANY accomodation with them.
Thank you for the very clear thinking that goes beyond symbolism and tchotchkes.
Drop the hyphen
Agreed.
"Jewish particularism "
Contemporary CRT Red-Green-AltR jargon speak for Jewish identity. Something not contested for anyone else. In fact, lauded and celebrated such as Women's identity, Black identity, Brown identity, Queer identity, and, not to belabour the obvious, the National identities of all other peoples.
Hava, I appreciate and fundamentally agree with your insightful commentary as an Israel born secular Jewish anthropologist living in Australia - the dilution of tradition is a challenge for all distinct groups in majority dominant societies. But I wonder how other groups manage, especially for example, Chinese people from mainland China or Taiwan who live diasporically: they maintain their distinct Chinese identity and links to community despite assimilation quite successfully, maybe rates of intermarriage are lower, I am not sure of any statistics on this demographic question. Any thoughts? I think it is important to look for comparative cases of discrimination and assimilatory success and not over focus on Jewish exceptionalism despite the horrors of industrial scale mass murder as in the Holocaust.
Chinese culture (and I can add Hindu culture to the mix) is maintained with thick cultural traditions, rituals, family practices (arranged marriages for example) and centred around temples/communal life. I think a comparative analysis would be a worthy direction for this.
However, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by don’t overfocus on Jewish exceptionalism.
We are in a period of real and great external and internal crisis. If someone else has better ideas for Jewish continuity I want to hear them? Genuinely. We should be discussing them. We need good ideas. Yes we can definitely learn from others. Scholarship on Hinduism for example shows that when you identify as a Hindu it is a given that you are practicing because it is based on dharmic life and ritual - not belief per se. Moreover, Hinduism is conceived as civilisational and even has ethno-religious facets.
All worthy of further discussion.
Thank you. I think this article is very insightful, thought provoking and holds legitimate concerns that I’ve seen play out truthfully myself with not good outcomes!! I think this article is a needed cultural discussion and very valuable as many are not aware of this. Thankful for those special few who have saved the history and culture and have passed it down over centuries. Many were not able to do so. There are many unique ways of sharing light, appreciating them all. There can be flexibility and aspects can be debated and we love a good debate. Love and Light. Bravo!
1. How do Jews survive persecution?
2. How do Jews survive assimilation?
Move to Israel - Jews don't need to assimilate and they are not persecuted there
I am an atheist, with a very strong Jewish identity. I often enjoy practicing Jewish traditions but I tend to make them my own, infusing them with ideas and thoughts that reflect a more contemporary ideology. For example, I wrote my own Haggadah. Everyone loves it. I see this as the future of Judaism. The religion has always adapted and morphed over the centuries; that's the only way it survives. There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, we should be proud that we can easily update Judaism to mesh with modern Western values.
I should add that I am 70, was raised as a bagels and lox Jew, raised my kids as conservadox (Conservative summer camp / yeshiva day school) and post-divorce, a clear atheist.
You could rephrase your 2 problems that you initially set out as:
1. persecuted - reqs the need to fight or take a slave mentality, and
2. assimilation - reqs learning Torah and Mitzvot (what you call ritual), as well as an environment of Jews & Torah (as you point out that Israelis lose their connection without living in Israel.)
The solution is for 'religious' people to fight and 'secular' people to learn and do some Mitzvot. These 2 appear distant from one another except in a few religious zionists, as we call them.
In the old days of Tanach, we see the warrior and observant within one body and one mind. We need, at least, leaders who embody the warrior AND the observant/knowledgeable. Rav Avraham Yitzchok HaCohen Kook and the Lubavitcher Rebbe seemed like the last well known leaders to embody both. Of course there are other minor figures, too.
The Charedi have made a tragic decision - other than Chabad - to ignore and denigrate an entire side of life and side of Jews instead of cultivating it like Rav Kook and the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Even many of the religious zionists kowtow to the Charedi. Religious leadership should come from the Charedi, but most have washed their hands of their 'filthy' Jew brothers and sisters.
The simple fact is that among those members of my family who were secular Jews..........there was not a single Jewish descendant within two to three generations. These are the facts.
Interesting article and comments. So, can we say a Jew is a Jew is a Jew. Or must we first define what is a jew or as I am often lectured why does it matter? I know I am being sarcastic but every time issues abd debates like this arise I keep coming back to the same basic question. And I submit today the question is a lot more important than it was when I grew up. Or like so.many other things today it is simply however an individual defines it. I discussed this question the other night with good friends who are Catholic but began by asking what makes a person a Christian. They had no problem answering that question by the way
So who's responsible for this demise? Haredim. Thy hijack the religion and declared "...our way or no way". The new secular generation wants to be as far as possible from this group of individuals who in the eyes of non-jews defy our existence. They killed the nation 2000 years ago and they will do it again and again. I need one example of any of them receiving a Nobel Price.