Renewing Jewish Life through Jewish Civics


 

Publication Date: January 2000

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Sidney Schwarz

Research Area: Social conditions

Keywords: Jewish Continuity; Identity Formation; Youth

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Weakening ties to the Jewish community are paralleled by similar trends in American society which show a decline in civic commitment among Americans. The trends in both Jewish and American society are more pronounced among the younger age cohorts. The article points to some new educational and service initiatives that hold out the promise to meet the younger generation "where they are at." It also suggests that, properly contextualized, programs that connect Jews with social justice and service opportunities in general society hold out the greatest promise to get younger Jews re-connected to the Jewish community.