1 of 9

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 4

Jewish immigration, says Blecher, shows that the numbers of American Jews are increasing, not decreasing. Not only are there more people calling themselves Jews, they practice their Judaism in different ways than their parents and grandparents. Blecher notes as well that the Internet is providing ways for Jews of all denominations to interact with each other as individuals and in group discussion forums and social networks. These virtual communities provide many more opportunities for expression of Jewish culture and ideas than before. Combine the increase in the numbers of Jews, with more diverse expressions of Jewishness, and the growth of new (albeit virtual) Jewish communities, and Blecher sees more cause for celebration than crisis.

But not everything is coming up roses for Jews in America. One recent occurrence in American society not addressed by the book, and perhaps can be considered in a second edition, is the threat to American Judaism from the Christian Dominionism movement, also known as Christian Reconstructionism. This movement seeks to take control of civil secular government and establish Christian law as the law of the land. While it is easy to dismiss this movement as extremists or cranks, it has been successful in gaining control of the Republican party at the state level in Kansas (forcing leading secular Republicans in Kansas to become Democrats) and influencing social policies in many communities. Dominionist Christian groups have also infiltrated many military bases, according to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which has filed suit against Defense Department to protect non-Dominionist military personnel.

American Jews, as the PBS series notes, have thrived in America, but history has shown the fortunes of Jews can turn quickly. The new American Judaism still needs to remember the recent past as well as look to the future.

Disclosure: The author is a member of Beth Chai congregation, where Arthur Blecher serves as rabbi. He has been married to the same Roman Catholic woman for 31 years.

Learn more about this author, Alan Kotok.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Add your voice

Know something about The history of Judaism?
We want to hear your view. Write now!