If we want a Jewish future we must take a new approach

According to a recent study done by the Board of deputies of British Jews the haredi community in the UK has grown by 4% annually over the past two decades. David Graham, one of the studies co-authors, said "This is an exceptional statistic given the often heard assertion that British Jewry, like many Diaspora communities, is in a permanent state of decline."

The report estimates the size of Britain's haredi population to be about 29,600 out of the approximately 300,000 Jews in Britain. Another report produced by Manchester University's Center for Jewish Studies last month estimated the total number of haredi Jews in the UK to be 46,500.

This should come as no surprise the landmark study by Anthony Gordon and Richard Horowitz entitled "Will Your Grandchildren Be Jews?" has shown that for 100 secular American Jews in the first generation only seven will remain Jewish in the fourth generation. Contrast this with the findings that out of 100 haredi Jews in the first generation there will be 3,401 Jews in the fourth generation.

All Jewish organizations and leaders are deeply troubled by the disappearing Jew in Europe and the United States. Here in Denver, Colorado a new study commissioned by the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado showed that outside the areas of Jewish concentration over 80% of self identified Jews are not interested in being involved in anything Jewish.

The kiss of death

For a Jewish family that lives in a secular society a lack of any Jewish involvement is a kiss of death to their Jewish identity. It means that their children will not have any Jewish friends and will not be exposed to anything Jewish and total assimilation is almost guaranteed.

This also means that Jewish organizations, such as ours, have an extremely difficult time reaching those Jews – they are neither motivated to nor interested in responding to our overtures.

Currently it seems that our main hope for Jewish continuity lies with the Orthodox and haredi communities. We must take note. This clearly proves that diluting Judaism and modernizing our tradition leads to its ultimate demise whilst keeping to Jewish traditions, rituals and the study of Torah keeps Judaism alive and strong.

There are many well-meaning Jewish organizations that are spending vast amounts of money to ensure a secular Jewish tomorrow. They argue that the religion of Judaism with all of its traditions and rituals is simply not relevant or attractive to the lives of most Jews. Unfortunately we are finding that for most Jews in Middle America no type of Judaism seems relevant. Even a fraternity of other Jews is of no interest.

One thing is clear: if we are to make a change we have to begin to realize and correct the mistakes of the past. The concept of reforming and modernizing Judaism so that it will be palatable to the modern taste has categorically failed. Repeating it and expecting a different result is insanity. Instead of revitalizing Judaism it has contributed to the demise of Judaism and Jewish identity in the Diaspora. We must admit this and give it up as a strategy for ensuring a Jewish tomorrow.

Instead we must find innovative methods to showcase the beauty, depth, timelessness and profundity of authentic and Torah true Judaism so that it becomes attractive, meaningful and applicable to the lives of Jews with a contemporary sensitivity and taste. Whilst this is challenging, with the right talent, vision and creativity it can be done – this is where my energies are focused and it is in this direction that our collective resources must be concentrated.

Rabbi Levi Brackman is executive director of Judaism in the Foothills. His upcoming book, "Jewish

Wisdom for Business Success", is set to be published in late 2008.