Whatever Happened to the Jewish People?

Publication Date: June 2006

Publisher: American Jewish Committee

Author(s): Steven M. Cohen; Jack Wertheimer

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Jewish Unity; Jewish Identification; Jewish Values; Fundraising and Philanthropy

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The authors find mounting evidence of a weakened identification among American Jews with their fellow Jews abroad, as well as a waning sense of communal responsibility at home. They review historical patterns of Jewish engagement and unity and explore changing patterns and the effects of attitudinal shifts including marital and social patterns, and ethnic identification. They assert that the decline of Jewish peoplehood is symptomatic of a decline of morale and of national self-respect.