When people ask me what comes after Moishe House, I no longer believe it can be another Jewish program. It has to be Judaism.
By David Cygielman
There is a lot of conversation about the notion of “free” in the Jewish community, particularly around college and young adult programming. As a community, we are struggling with the transition from a Jewish world that not only is free, but also provides huge opportunities at little or no cost if you just show up, to the stage that comes next. This “free” programming comes in stark contrast to the reality that living an active Jewish life is actually quite expensive. I am now in my 30s and see the cost side as more of a byproduct than the actual root of the issue. We have plenty of evidence that young people will pay for things, but it is based on perceived value rather than obligation.
We should be concerned, but not about who is paying for what, but rather, are we able to make a successful shift from providing high quality Jewish programming to even higher quality Judaism? Jewish programming provides experiences that are plug and play – you show up, learn something, eat something, meet someone, go somewhere, etc. Whether it is through Hillel, Birthright, Moishe House or other organizations, it gives large numbers of young Jews the chance to participate in the Jewish community, and for a small subset, the chance to help lead it. Although so important and necessary, it cannot be the end when it comes to developing Jewish identity. When people ask me what comes after Moishe House, I no longer believe it can be another Jewish program. It has to be Judaism. Combined with terrific partners, we have set the stage for this to happen but something new also has to rise up.
So what exactly does this look like? At the core, it uses the same tradition that we have had for thousands of years but, whether we like it or not, it does look different than what our community has spent so much time, money and energy building over the past 60 years. Look no further than Mishkan in Chicago, born out of IKAR in Los Angeles. These organizations are already creating inspired, consistent and participatory Judaism that is more than just possible – it is desired. We, as the greater Jewish community, are the one’s holding it back from erupting. To take such a leap in building Judaism is very difficult. It takes turning away much higher paying jobs for no salary at all, starting from scratch and often being seen as “competition” despite working purely to build Judaism for a population that has largely not experienced it.
The opportunity and potential is massive but the endeavor is risky. To engage young people in Judaism is something that, unlike a program, can last a lifetime. Each person’s evolution will be unique but hopefully will lead to a combination of rituals like Shabbat and holidays that can be done at home and through communal activities where we rely on each other and our leaders. The attention and support toward programming in the Jewish community has been absolutely needed and successful, but as a friend and mentor consistently asks, what does version 2.0 look like?
David Cygielman is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Moishe House.
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Shalom David and All,
Bravo for recognizing that it’s not about programs and it is about Judaism. Kudos as well for understanding that perceived value by your target population is the key for them to open their pocketbooks. People will give of their time talents and tithes to that which they perceive has value. Yes it’s consumerism and not a sense of obligation and there’s no need to lament as this presents a unique opportunity to move people from consumerism to community; from what’s in it for me to how may I be of service.
Re taking a leap to build an new Judaism and forgoing much higher paying jobs in the marketplace; the only way this happens is through having convictions about the truth and value of what one is trying to build. Habad Rabbis are a real time example of this. Are their non orthodox leaders with such convictions?
But before anything else first you must demonstrate purpose, for it’s purpose and not programming on which all else is dependent. The journey begins with clear crisp concise and compelling answers to the following three questions: Why be intentionally Jewish? Why do Jewish? and Why Judaism? The rest is commentary. So who’s willing to start answering the Three Questions?
Biv’racha,
Jordan
In response to Jordan’s challenge, check out the first chapter of my book, “Judaism and Justice: The Jewish Passion to Repair the World” (Jewish Lights). The chapter is entitled: “The Purpose of Judaism”. The thesis is that Jews need to advance both tzedek (justice) and kedusha (sacred apartness) in the world. While the former is primarily outer directed and the latter more inner directed, each has elements of both. The rest of the book develops this thesis using classical rabbinical sources, Jewish history and contemporary sociology.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Sid Schwarz
Shalom Rabbi Sid,
Thanks for engaging. I read the first and last chapters of your recommended book. Eight years have passed since it was published and nearly a year since the Pew study was published. And I don’t believe that what you wrote could or would resonate with most North American non Orthodox Jews today who are at best on the periphery of anything having to do with Judaism or Jewishness. Most of us are Jewish like a Reuben sandwich is Jewish.
Re what you wrote above about the purpose of Judaism. The link below suggests that something more compelling is needed.
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2014/08/15/the-future-of-liberal-jewry-in-a-nutshell-andrew-bachmann-reform-judaism-pew-survey/
Biv’racha,
Jordan
I’m a new Jewish Federation exec in upstate NY. I’ve already planted the seed with my board that I’d like to start the “Why Be [intentionally] Jewish” conversation. It will be interesting to hear clergy and lay-leader responses when we meet after the holidays, Business as usual? I hope not…
Shalom Joyce,
Kol hakavod, all the honor to you! I’ve been trying to evoke engagement on that question as well as the other two (why do Jewish and why Judaism?) in this forum and others for at least 5 years, sadly with little response. I hope that you and your board can come up with clear, crisp, concise and compelling answers that have the power to enter the hearts and minds of those you wish to reach. With answers you can then formulate a strategy to implement that will move your toward whatever your organization’s goal/mission may be.
Be well and shana tovah u’m’tuqah to all of us,
Biv’racha,
Jordan