Synopses & Reviews
The key to strong Jewish continuity is a shared identity characterized by joint assumptions, certain expressions, and a host of familial-like behaviors that unite an otherwise disparate group of people. But how do we get a Jewish community splintered by factionalism and ideological divides to feel collectively attached to each other as part of a global family? And, how do we do this without sacrificing the universal concerns that extend far beyond communal boundaries?
This clarion call to Jewish community explores the purpose, possibilities, and limitations of peoplehood as a unifying concept of community for a people struggling profoundly with Jewish identity. It defines what peoplehood isand is notand explores both collective and personal Jewish identity and the nature of identity construction.
Drawing on history, sacred texts and contemporary scholarship, it identifies some of the obstacles that challenge a shared notion of peoplehood: the personal choices, construct of membership and boundaries, growth of Jewish illiteracy, identity fragmentation between Israeli and Diaspora Jewry, and the generational divide affecting traditionalists, baby boomers, and Generations X and Y. It also establishes a vision forward and provides practical guidance and recommendations for getting there.
Synopsis
Peoplehood--everyone's talking about it. But what does it actually mean and why is it important to the future of Judaism?
"Why is this conversation important? Why does it merit your attention? If you care about Jewish identity and community, then you know that we have no trouble identifying the problems that fragmentize us as a people but have far less success identifying that which unites us. Without a unifying, collective notion of Jewish identity that is meaningful and robust, it is virtually impossible to make a strong case for Jewish continuity."
--from the Introduction
This call to Jewish community explores the purpose, possibilities and limitations of peoplehood as a unifying concept of community for a people struggling profoundly with Jewish identity. It defines what peoplehood is--and is not--and explores both collective and personal Jewish identity and the nature of identity construction.
Drawing on history, sacred texts and contemporary scholarship, The Case for Jewish Peoplehood identifies some of the obstacles that challenge a shared notion of peoplehood: personal choices, construct of membership and boundaries, growth of Jewish illiteracy, identity fragmentation between Israeli and Diaspora Jewry and the generational divide affecting traditionalists, baby boomers and generations X and Y.
To help you join the conversation, the authors support a vision for the future and provide practical guidance and recommendations for getting there.
Synopsis
Explores peoplehood as a unifying concept for a people struggling profoundly with Jewish identity. Draws on history, sacred texts and contemporary scholarship to define collective and personal Jewish identity and the nature of identity construction.