Israeli Identity and the Future of American Jewry

Author: Jennie Starr This article does a great job of arguing “Israeliness” may be a solution to combat apathy towards organized Jewish life in the Diaspora and the challenges of assimilation. Though I’m not a fan of the term “Israeliness,” I do believe Israeli culture and Hebrew language can be key to raising Jewish Americans with an Israeli lens that bridges and connects us for years to come. Some of my favorite quotes from within: Oblivion knocks. The two obvious alternatives—aliya and Orthodoxy—require so radical a change in one’s lifestyle that they’re… Read More
Healthy Jewish Collaboration & Reciprocity

Jewish collaboration requires a courtship to understand synergies and opportunities, overcome pitfalls, and create mutually beneficial collaboration. It’s about creating something new and great neither organization could do themselves. We reach new people, build different and better programming, or simply help nurture and support each other’s existence. This kind of authentic collaboration is the Holy Grail of greater engagement of the Jewish people. It’s what makes the difference in good to great, in rote vs. inspiring and it’s what feeds our Jewish soul and invigorates us. Jewish partners take risks, sharing their… Read More