Turning and Returning

The pendulum of Jewish life often swings from one extreme to another and, yet, always comes back to a sacred center.

Anyone who has studied the sweep of Jewish history knows that Jewish life often ebbs and flows. Sometimes it is from external forces, such as anti-semitism or assimilation, or internal forces, like a desire to reinvent and reinvigorate Jewish life. The early Jewish Reformers in the late 1800's in Germany responded both to external forces--the desire to assimilate and be a "Jew in one's home and a man on the street"--and an internal desire to make Jewish life more compatible with modernity. There was a very real sense that the Jews of 19th century Germany had finally "made it" and could be both fully German and fully Jewish. This is one of the main reasons that the early Reformers did not embrace Zionism: they fervently believed that their fellow countrymen no longer viewed them as a nation apart and therefore did not see the need for a Jewish state. Sadly, the horrors of the Holocaust quickly changed the Reform perspective on statehood for Israel by emphasizing the need for an established and sovereign country for Jewish refuge. When Reform Judaism made its way to America and was institutionalized by Rabbi Isaac M. Wise, there was a backlash against what some Jews saw as "radical" reforms...and some of them were quite radical. Early Reform rabbis went by the title "Reverend", prayer was exclusively conducted in English and there was even a push to move Shabbat from Saturday to Sunday. While there are very few Classical Reform synagogues left in the US, the vestiges of this extreme swing to assimilate can still be felt in almost every corner of Jewish life.

While there is still a desire to align Jewish practice with modern values and sensibilities, like fully embracing diversity, equity and inclusion, there is a very noticeable tug to return to something more tribal; more authentically Jewish. There is a palpable sense that younger Jews, while not necessarily interested in formally affiliating with a Jewish institution, are viewing their Jewish identity in a much different way than their parent or grandparent did. Being Jewish is unique and interesting. It brings a certain amount of color and, dare I say, "coolness." Even with a marked uptick in worldwide anti-Semitism, more people than ever before are willing to publicly embrace their Jewish identity, rather than try to "pass."

This sense of Jewish pride is catching. During the pandemic, synagogues across the US were seeing a very marked uptick in conversion candidates. The Washington Coalition of Rabbis began hosting a statewide online Intro to Judaism course in 2021 and had over 70 students. Just one year late, in 2022, that number nearly doubled. While there are many within the affiliated Jewish community who lament an ever increasing intermarriage rate, I believe something special and unexpected is happening. More and more people are becoming proximate with members of our Jewish community, whether at work or at home. The divisions between the Jewish and non-Jewish community here in America have all but dissolved, but rather than giving up on their Jewish identity, these "assimilated" Jews are getting non-Jews more interested in Judaism. While this interest may never turn into conversion, I love their willingness to learn about and appreciate Judaism. I believe this type of outreach is what will ultimately be our salvation and, who knows, it might just herald in the next great renaissance in Jewish life.