The Jewish Family: An Endangered Species?

Publication Date: June 1979

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America)

Author(s): Gladys Rosen

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Demography; Identity formation; Social Patterns

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author reviews the vital role played by the family unit in passing on Jewish tradition and identity. She lays out some of the biggest challenges facing the modern Jewish family, including postponement of marriage, a dramatically low birth-rate, a rising divorce rate, intermarriage, less intergenerational contact, and changing gender roles. The author argues that Jewish organizations need to reconsider programming and services with an eye toward how all programs affect Jewish families, rather than considering only impact on Jews as individuals.

In Journal of Jewish Communal Service, v.55 no.4, Summer 1979.