cover image Jewish Megatrends: Charting the Course of the American Jewish Future

Jewish Megatrends: Charting the Course of the American Jewish Future

Sidney Schwarz. Jewish Lights, $24.99 (240p) ISBN 978-1-58023-667-6

For American Jews in the immediate post–World War II era, the major concern was Jewish community, especially given high rates of intermarriage. Author Schwarz (Finding a Spiritual Home), a rabbi, consultant to synagogues and Jewish organizations, and something of an elder statesman within American Judaism, calls those preoccupied with assimilation and threats to Jewish survival “tribal Jews”. Younger Jews, dubbed “covenantal Jews,” are generationally removed from the Holocaust and the founding of Israel. They are attracted to Jewish ethics and values, expressed in Jewish social justice organizations and activities in human rights, global peace, gender and LGBT equality. Schwarz, who continues to bring new ideas to the Jewish community, spells out in his introductory statement his ideas for what Jewish organizations need to attract covenantal Jews. Thirteen innovative American Jewish leaders wrote responsive essays. Schwarz concludes with his reactions and summary, calling his presentation “my prescription for a Jewish renaissance in America.” This stimulating book is a thoughtful commentary on the present and future of the American Jewish community. (Mar.)