| |
Dana is working on a book dealing with contemporary American Judaism for
Columbia University Press. Contemporary American Judaism describes the Jews and
their religion in the United States today. Despite the large number of books being
published in Jewish studies, there has been remarkably little on this topic. What has
been written is mostly sociological or demographic, focusing on specific societal
changes or trying to determine statistical information such as how many American
Jews there are, what is the actual intermarriage rate, and similar questions.
Contemporary American Judaism presents images of some of the most interesting
things happening in American Jewish religion throughout the United States. Many of
the stories seem to suggest that American Judaism is moving in contradictory
directions, and this is to be expected. American Jews are a contentious group and they
do not agree on what their religion means and how it should be practiced. As a result,
there are all sorts of conflicts and controversies.
Among other topics, Dana hopes to explore some of the quirkier aspects of American
Jewish life. To site just a few examples, how is it that so many American Jews are
trying to integrate elements of Buddhism into their Judaism? Why do many young
people have Hebrew letters tattooed on their skin, in apparent violation of the halacha?
Are people who celebrate “Bark Mitzvahs” serious, or is it completely tongue-in-cheek?
What attracts Jewish women to Wicca?
American society stresses individualism and this manifests itself in how American
Jews practice their religion. Many American Jews are incredibly enthusiastic about their
practices, whereas others are completely apathetic. Ultra-Orthodox Jews generally
show tremendous devotion, but those who have trouble fitting in can find living in a
Haredi community to be unbearable. Reform Jews love performing certain ceremonies
on certain occasions but seem unwilling to carry over that observance into their weekly
routines.
Dana does not predict what the future of American Judaism will bring. There are,
however, certain trends which are clearly discernible. The American Jewish community
is splitting into two, with the ultra-Orthodox at one end and most of the rest of the
community at the other. Denominational identity counts for less than it used to, but
post-denominationalism is influencing the various movements rather than replacing
them. The Conservative movement continues to decline numerically, but the other
movements should avoid gloating because they may face similar problems in the
not-so-distant future.
|
|
