Where Is Judaism?
Judaism is a religious and cultural identity shared by over 15 million people in the world today, living in varied and diverse societies throughout the world–from the United States to Israel and in some parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Judaism has been practiced for over three thousand years and is still practiced in many different forms.
Within this faith, Jews have formed a set of diverse identities and cultures. Jews identify themselves as either Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform, each having its own sets of religious beliefs, rituals, and practices. Orthodox Jews practice strict observance to the laws of Judaism in everyday life, while Reform Jews often practice more contemporary customs tailored to their specific cultures and lifestyles.
Judaism is often characterized as an ancient faith, but modern practice has included a significant range of adaptations to varying cultural contexts. Jewish culture includes a variety of languages and forms of music, art, literature, cuisine, holidays and life cycle ceremonies. Jews also find connection with their faith, community, and culture through social organizations, youth groups, synagogues, youth and adult education, and even summer camps.
Judaism is truly a global faith. In the United States, for example, there are estimated to be over 5 million Jews, making up three to four percent of the population. Much of the American Jewish population follows Reform or Conservative forms of Judaism. In Israel, however, the majority of Jewish citizens identify themselves as Orthodox Jews, and religious practice is heavily intertwined with the country’s government and politics. In countries with smaller populations of Jews, such as Canada or the United Kingdom, religious practice often reflects the values, lifestyles, and background of individual Jews.
In modern society, Jews often must navigate a complicated balance between cultural identity and religious practice. The rise of anti-Semitic rhetoric and hate crimes around the world has created tension which Jewish communities must take into consideration when negotiating the expressions of their faith. Jewish organizations and social institutions provide critical spaces for dialogue, education, and exploration. To face the challenges of a global society, Jews look to their established faith traditions as well as their own experience to respond with resiliency, generosity, and compassion.
Interfaith Initiatives
Interfaith initiatives have been an important part of Jewish engagement with the global community. Jews have partnered with many different religious groups to advocate for peace and equality through dialogue, education, and service. This exchange across religious lines facilitates understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
The Inland Southwest Interfaith Council (ISIC) in Arizona connecting interfaith organizations and religious groups to help build community through programs that foster interfaith understanding and cooperation. Following Hurricane Katrina, many Jewish volunteer and mission groups traveled to the Gulf Coast States in order to assist in recovery efforts. The NAJHS–Northern Arizona Jewish Historical Society, a Jewish museum and archive in Flagstaff, Arizona—fosters religious and cultural understanding of the Jewish people in the Four Corners area by presenting multimedia exhibitions, public lectures, and educational seminars.
New York City–based Encounter trips bring together Jews and Muslims to explore the shared history of their two peoples. The members learn from one another through facilitated conversations, prayers, and Shabbat services, in addition to visiting heritage sites and reflecting on the way religious identity and culture shape the discourse around the Middle East conflict.
At the same time, Jewish communities look inward by creating social platforms for members to connect to their faith, culture, and identity. Limudei Kodesh Seminars in Los Angeles brings together Jews from various geographical and religious backgrounds to discuss Jewish thought, literature, and ethics. The Limudei Kodesh curriculum includes Jewish texts written throughout history, which explore the core values and teachings of the Jewish faith.
Religious Practice Within the Home
Religious practice within the home is an intimate, individualized part of Jewish life and culture. Jews have celebrated the holidays, feasted on specific foods, and studied the Bible in the comfort of homes for thousands of years. For example, the practice of deconstructing and studying a text together—known as shivur—is done by families at the dinner table. Jewish identity lives on through ritual, prayer, and traditional customs passed down within families between generations.
Even after generations of reform, customs still vary between homes. Within the same family, different practices and celebrations could take place in the same Jewish home. For many Jews, the home is where their faith was first sparked and continues to be their main source of connection with their faith and culture.
Bringing Judaism into the 21st Century
As we enter the 21st century, Judaism has had to confront a variety of challenges posed by the changing values and norms of globalized nations. Many Jewish organizations have responded by creating modern frameworks for religious practice, seeking to understand the relevance of ancient laws in contemporary contexts and creating programming to engage a new generation of Jews.
Contemporary Jewish culture-makers are finding new and creative ways to bring Jewish values to life. From vegan sushi restaurants to prayerful music and dance performances, Jews are actively engaging with their faith and culture through creative and innovative outlets. These forms of expression offer a route for encountering the spiritual depths of Judaism and create opportunities to foster relationships with others from outside the faith.
In New York City, Brooklyn-based Lab/Shul is a perfect example of a modern Jewish congregation turning traditional beliefs and practices on their head in order to address the needs of its diverse participants. Weekly gatherings are inclusive and experimental, engaging both regulars and newcomers through art and movement, prayer and song, along with engaging topics and conversations. Despite radical differences in interpretation of ancient beliefs, Lab/Shul has demonstrated an ability to bring together a wide range of individuals who find commonality and connection in the spirit of the Shabbat.
In the technology age, many Jews are exploring modern tools to religious practice such as apps, websites, and social media networks. Platforms such as Aleph Beta–which provides multi-media transcripts of classic Jewish texts—brochures, and digital subscription boxes such as Shabbatonia, are making tradition more accessible and engaging. Podcasts such as Unorthodox, produced by the magazine of the same name, and “A Kaddish for Bernie,” produced by Tablet Magazine, seek to create meaningful conversations about modern Jewish life.
The Impact of Diaspora
The great diaspora of Jews in the Eighteenth and 19th centuries has shaped the diverse expressions of Judaism we witness today. This stretching of geographic boundaries has increased the presence of Jews Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the United States and Canada, the Soviet Union, and Latin America.
In Europe, Jews in the 17th century created a new range of religious practice and traditions particular to the countries they settled in—Ashkenazi Jews in Germany, Poland, and Russia, followed by Sephardim in Spain and Portugal. The diaspora brought opportunities and also threats, leading Jews to experience persecution, intolerance, and even genocide.
In North America, Jewish identity has been heavily shaped by immigration laws and the new opportunities of freedom and prosperity. Compared to Europe, Jews in the U.S. and Canada have had significantly greater opportunity to find educational, economic and social success while maintaining a strong sense of identity and culture.
The development of Zionism in the late 19th century also changed the landscape of Jewish identity, giving way to a powerful political and cultural movement for the establishment of Israel as a Jewish state. While the primary goal of Zionism was to provide a safe haven for Jewish refugees, it also led to the displacement of Palestinians and has impacted the reputation of Jews around the world.
Jewish Identity Today
The definition of Jewish identity today is varied, complex, and ever-evolving. In the United States and other countries around the world, Jews have served in public office, advanced scientific and medical breakthroughs, and have become renowned figures in many areas of culture and art.
At the same time, Jews must also face anti-Semites and religious prejudices, navigating difficult conversations and challenging cultural norms. Despite the challenges, Jews around the world remain resilient and committed to continuing the tradition of their ancient faith.
Whether expressed through music, art, food, prayer, or social engagement, the practice of Judaism isstrong, dynamic, and ever-evolving. Judaism remains a profound source of hope and identity for Jews, connecting individuals to a faith, culture, and history and contributing to global cultural richness. As Jews continue to build on their history and create a path for the future of their faith, one thing is certain — Judaism is not going anywhere.
