The Flexible Jewish Community: Bend, But Don't Break

In Ben Greenberg's article, "Will There Be One Jewish People?", Greenberg discusses the difficult issue of the international Jewish community and its potentially shaky future. Greenberg splits Jews into two basic groups: the minimalists, who want a narrower definition of "Jewish," and maximalists, who want to expand the community and create open communication between all Jews. I found this distinction, and what Greenberg believes will happen because of it, to be very interesting. Even on a much smaller scale, these groups are evident. There are active Jews, those who go to Temple, keep kosher, and/or participate in some sort of Jewish community, whether it be camp, NFTY, Hillel, whatever. Obviously not all those characteristics are necessary, but they're common. Then there are the less-active Jews, those who maybe only go to Temple for the High Holidays, consider themselves "Secular Jews," and/or  live relatively religion-free lives. Again, this isn't a strict list, but those are just some examples of characteristics of "minimalists." And none of this is bad. There's no right or wrong way to be Jewish (assuming, of course, that the basic laws are kept intact).

So who cares about this split? Well, as Greenberg said, it's crucial that we do not let those differences completely separate us. Different languages, traditions, levels of observance, all that's fine. As long as we all keep some connection to Judaism and our community, then all will be well. But if the bonds we share continue to weaken, then we might have an issue. Growing up in America and going to Jewish summer camp and NFTY, this issue isn't something I've experienced. And I feel blessed for that. Community is very important to me, and I've been very lucky with the communities I've been able to be part of. Unfortunately, it's not that easy in most places in the world, including Israel. That's why I think it's vital for Jews worldwide to do anything and everything to keep even the smallest connection. You don't have to keep kosher or move to Israel, but doing nothing cannot be an option. The Jewish people will never be a completely united people all living in one place. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to keep our community strong. To be corny and quote a Jewish text, in Pirke Avot, it says, "You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it (2:21)." That's pretty relevant here. We may never be the same community we were, but that doesn't mean we can give up. We've been a resilient people for thousands of years, and I see no reason to stop now.