Jewish in America

By Rabbi Ed Romm
Director, Center On Campus
Fuchsberg Center for Conservative Judaism, Jerusalem

When I was asked to write on being "Jewish in America," I was at first surprised. I have been living in Israel for close to 30 years. I direct a program for "overseas" students who study in Israel. Also, I have not spent more than two weeks at a time in America since making aliyah. For me, being Jewish is perhaps less complicated, although not without its existential issues. In addition to a religious identity, I also have a Jewish national identity as a citizen of the State of Israel. Nonetheless, I found the topic intriguing and wish to share with you some of my observations.

It is much easier to be Jewish in America today than when I was growing up. I am pleasantly surprised when I visit colleges to see the number of kippot on campuses. Kosher facilities, which were virtually non-existent when I was a student, have become quite common in many universities. Supermarket shelves are full of "certified Kosher" food items. There has also been a tremendous growth of Jewish day schools and Jewish learning opportunities. I see a Jewish community with pride and security.

However, the larger picture is problematic. The vast majority of Jews have marginal ties to the Jewish community and to Israel, or no ties at all. Assimilation is on the rise in leaps and bounds. Demographically, the Jewish community is in trouble. I feel the pain of Jewish college students having to deal with the challenge of militant anti-Israel groups on campus that sometimes spills over into violence. It pains me even more to see that one can find Jews among these groups.

While it is easier to be Jewish in America today than in the past, that is not to say that it is easy. That is why I feel tremendous pride in KOACH and its constituency, for being among those on the front line of "Yiddishkeit" in America today.

[Posted 06/15/07]