A recently released study caught my attention this week. The study making the rounds concerns the state of American Jewry by the Pew Research Center’s Religion and Public Life Project, and according to this study, things are looking pretty grim. Take a look at some of the conclusions of this study:
The intermarriage rate, a bellwether statistic, has reached a high of 58 percent for all Jews, and 71 percent for non-Orthodox Jews – a huge change from before 1970 when only 17 percent of Jews married outside the faith. Two-thirds of Jews do not belong to a synagogue, one-fourth do not believe in God and one-third had a Christmas tree in their home last year..
Or this tidbit:
according to one of the study’s lead authors, the most significant finding is that one-fifth of American Jews don’t even call themselves “Jewish” when asked about their religion!
Perhaps what is even more significant and revealing about this study, is the lack of retention of Jews by their denominations. Simply put: none of the adaptations, changes and allowances all in the name of "modernity", have had any meaningful impact (if at all) in stemming the tide of assimilation! A Shanda!
True, there are some serious questions about the method used in gathering this data, regardless, it doesn't look pretty out there.
The question we must ask is: What to do with all this raw data? Whilst this study is sure to lead to a lot of hand-wringing in the American Jewish world, the most important take-away from this study must be worthy of finding a working model going forward.
In a remarkable example of the miraculous working of divine providence here, this study was released during a week in which we read, study, and live with the Torah portion about the story of Noah and the great flood. Here we are introduced to the life and times of Noah and his family, and it is from precisely this story that can provide the antidote to this study.
We learn of the three stages of Noah's life: His life before, during and after the great flood. Before the flood, Noah's mandate was to build an Ark to protect and save himself and his family. During the flood Noah's mandate was to actually enter the Ark. And finally, after the flood, Noah and his family were commanded to actually leave the Ark.
The Torah isn't merely telling us a fascinating historical tale; The Torah is providing us the necessary tools to ensure survival during our own turbulent times: Build, enter and leave the Ark.
In order to effectively insulate oneself from the pernicious influences that are all around, one needs a firewall. The Baal Shem Tov points out that the Hebrew word for “ark,” teivah, also means “word.” We can all survive the floods which tend to engulf our lives through immersing ourselves in the holy “words” of Torah and prayer.
But this is not sufficient. What about those who will not or did not make an Ark? Are we to completely "write off" a significant portion of our brethren for their lack of preparedness? Of course not! Here we learn of the final mandate Noah received which was precisely this: Leave the Ark. Just as soon as the waters of the flood had receded, Noah and his family were commanded to leave the Ark.
There comes a time when one must leave the ark. One must venture forth to the outside world, beyond the hedges, and make a mark. The great reserves of spiritual fortification, the knowledge of Torah and Mitzvohs one has acquired, will now be translated into action by sharing them with others less fortunate.
Hand-wringing is futile if it doesn't lead to some real effective change. Real change that is measured by it's success in maintaining a bond and commitment to Judaism for over 3300 years. It's time to head out into the whole wide world and share these gifts with others.