by sue fishkoff
jta
A new online survey of the most active Reform Jews reveals a younger generation that is more comfortable with Jewish ritual than their elders, but just as committed to communal causes and improving the world.
The increased ritual observance comes despite the fact that 19 percent of the under-40 group surveyed grew up in intermarried homes. Reform leaders say that proves their position that intermarriage in itself is not a deterrent to Jewish identity, but that Jewish upbringing is a more important factor.
In addition to increasing ritual observance, the younger Reform Jews showed a strong commitment to communal and ethical priorities. More than 95 percent of both the under-40 and over-40 crowd said “leading an ethical life,” “making the world a better place” and “celebrating Jewish holidays” were important parts of being Jewish.
And similar numbers of both groups — about 80 percent — said remembering the Holocaust, caring about Israel, supporting Jewish organizations and attending synagogue were important to them.
The survey was conducted by the Union for Reform Judaism among a self-selecting group of the most highly involved Reform Jews. It was sent by email to 45,000 officers, board members and clergy of Reform congregations, as well as people who subscribe to the movement’s free “10 Minutes of Torah” online service.
It comes on the eve of the movement’s biennial in San Diego, where a major focus will be on outreach and membership.
Nearly 14,000 people responded to the survey, with the results compiled from the first 6,221 responses. With the data not yet analyzed, the survey at this point represents an initial, informal picture of the beliefs and practices of the most Jewishly engaged segment of the Reform community.
CopyrightJ, the Jewish news weekly of Northern California