On Jewish Identity

3 Kislev 5774

Two very telling and interesting articles dealing with Jewish identity - outside and inside of Israel:

Candidly Speaking: An end to Jewish life in the Diaspora?

...The survey highlights that cultural identification is replacing religious identification among many American Jews. In stark contrast to 10 years ago, when 93% of American Jews identified themselves as Jews by religion, increasing numbers of Jews now define themselves as “Jews of no religion.” Two-thirds do not belong to any synagogue; 42% maintain that having “a good sense of humor” is more essential to their Jewish identities than observing Jewish law; most describe liberalism and a commitment to tikkun olam as the defining characteristics of their Jewishness.

Many Jews are delighted with this “universalist Judaism” and characterize its adherents as “proud Jews” who are contributing enormously to American culture.

One commentator satirically remarked that for every Jew who keeps a Christmas tree, there are 100 non-Jews who like bagels. Oy! Another highly disturbing survey finding is the extent to which Judaism and Christianity have become blurred in the minds of many American Jews.

The criteria for qualifying as being Jewish have been broadened to the point of absurdity. For example, 34% of the respondents stated that a belief in Jesus as the Messiah was compatible with being Jewish, and 30% of the “Jewish” families surveyed have Christmas trees. As Hebrew Union College Prof. Sara Benor observed, “more people than in the past believe that you can be both Christian and Jewish.”

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, predicts that a new religious category will soon emerge for those who consider themselves Jewish but accept Christian doctrines regarding Jesus. This confused state of affairs is both a reflection and a consequence of an appalling meltdown of Jewish values in America....


Conversion

The Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved a bill Sunday that, if ratified by the Knesset, is supposed to make it easier to convert to Judaism for over 300,000 non-Jewish immigrants from the Former Soviet Union.

...While Stern’s bill has the best of intentions, it is highly unlikely that the legislation will succeed in attaining its goals.

...Unfortunately, and perhaps understandably, the vast majority of non-Jewish immigrants from the FSU show little interest in converting.

...The simple fact is that most non-Jewish immigrants see no reason to convert to Judaism. Coming from an agnostic background, these immigrants integrate very easily into secular Israeli society. They learn Hebrew, celebrate the Jewish holidays like their secular Israeli neighbors and serve in the army – that ultimate Israeli act of patriotism.

And when it comes time to marry, these non-Jewish immigrants and their Jewish Israeli spouses simply take a short trip to Cypress or some other destination abroad, to legalize their love.

Admittedly, the debate over conversions arouses strong emotions touching as it does on questions of identity – not just for individuals but on a national level. Israel defines itself as the homeland of the Jewish people. Maintaining a Jewish majority is central to ensuring Israel’s Jewishness.

But who precisely should be included in that “Jewish” majority is a matter of dispute....