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The Rabbi's Study

“The Conversation New York” and the Missing Issue: Jewish Demography

A few weeks ago, I attended the “Conversation New York,” sponsored by The Jewish Week.  At this invitation-only conversation, all the participants were Jewish activists.  There were artists-of all sorts-, rabbis, Russian Jewish leaders, fund-raising experts and others.
 
Instead of one speaker to address all 50 or so participants, there was interaction on mutually agreed upon topics.  Since all were expert in their fields, everyone voiced an opinion about the issues.  It was heartening to see so many Jews–some of religious persuasion, others not--taking Judaism so seriously.
 
Yet, I was disappointed that one topic was not addressed: American Jewish demography.  Each year, the Jews are a declining percentage of the American population.  This means disaster for the American Jewish Community because a decreasing population means we have a declining influence on America and Judaism itself is imperiled.  Even if each couple has 2.1 children, we are still at zero population growth (ZPG).
 
What to do about this?  I am not sure, but I believe the topic should have been addressed at a meeting where the Jewish future is discussed.  Obviously, the more children, the more emotionally and financially taxing is the situation.  Because we want the best for our children, we understand that our families should be limited.  Yet, we face a demographic decline. I am sure, that somehow the Jewish Community will find a solution to this troubling trend.
 
I am glad to have been invited to the conversation because so many other important topics were addressed. 
 
 

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