The Future of Conservative Judaism in the United States

Publication Date: March 1980

Publisher: Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs

Author(s): Charles S. Liebman

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Jewish Law (Halacha); Demography; Conservative Judaism; Religious Denominations

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author reviews survey data indicating that the Conservative movement will face a serious membership decline in the coming decades. The author recommends that the Conservative movement seek to bolster and encourage ritual observance (i.e. keeping kosher) among its laity in order to boost the numbers in its most promising demographic core. He also argues that Conservative Judaism must hold fast to the principle that Jewish law is binding and obligatory to Jews.