Talk about a "Faith" lift!

One of the world's oldest religions attracts a new, crowd and gets a "hipper" feel. In an article by CNN, author Jessica Ravitz explores what she dubs "New Jews" in all their glory. Like so many things in this world what was normal for one generation has become boring for another. Steven Cohen, a sociologist at Hebrew Union College in New York, says that about half of the young Jews marry fellow Jews and that of children born to inter faith couples, only 25 percent consider themselves Jewish when they grow up. That does not bode well for future growth.

Like the generations of the past, the young people make the changes. But in the case of "New Jews" they are returning to the faith of their past, but on their own terms. Everything from punk rock Jews to hippie Jews to the groups that propel these movements forward can be found. Interestingly enough It seems to be the religion's leaders, the Rabbis and the religious educators that are in the forefront, trying to make Judaism more "user friendly".

Take, for instance, Punk Torah, the web site created by Patrick Aleph (the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet). It is a self proclaimed place for anyone "who feels disconnected from the Jewish world of summer camps, Holocaust guilt trips, and overpriced High Holiday tickets." Aleph feels that the synagogue should be like a "Jewish night club" someplace where you can go to let your hair down and relax. To dance or sing, but mostly to connect. They also think that traditional synagogues have lost sight of that need and that websites like Punk Torah and its sister site Indie Yeshiva are now satisfying that need.

Not only are sites like Punk Torah and Indie Yeshiva cropping up, but there are other organizations out there to support alternative Judaism. Groups like Mechon Hadar. Self titled as an institute for "prayer, personal growth and Jewish study". They hold meetings and study groups in their own area as well as website link and support other groups. There is also Jewish Jumpstart, another group that supports thinking outside of the traditional box that Judaism seemed to be stuck in.

Another way that "New Jews" are accommodating the back-to-the-land-wilderness-retreat-seeking, modern global citizen of today is with groups like the Limmud (Hebrew for learning) and Wilderness Torah. The Limmud host volunteer staffed wilderness retreats in Colorado, Illinois, Georgia and around the world where one can go to further their spiritual journey. Wilderness Torah's byline is "Connect to the Earth through Judaism... Connect to Judaism through the Earth." They do this by hosting some of the major Jewish holidays, which are land based, out in the wild. For instance, they celebrate Passover in a desert, Sukkot on an organic farm, and Shavuot on a mountainside.

As with most religions, there are Jewish newspaper and magazine publications. But the advent of edgier journalism and websites such as The Forward, the Heeb Magazine, and the Zeek, are reaching out to a newer group of readers. Recently the Heeb published a picture of Rosanne Barr standing at an oven, dressed like Hitler and holding a tray of burned-Jew cookies. The reason for the image? To spark controversy. Anything to get people passionate about their faith.

There are podcasts teaching Judaism (G_dcast), Jewish record labels that handle edgy groups even a political movement to get Barak Obama elected was started. (The Great Schlep, started by Sarah Silverman) One of the most visible ways we are seeing changes is in the newest rage of Hebrew/Jewish tattoos. One site, Tattoo Jew, has been created to track the progress of a documentary recording the intersection between traditional Jewish culture and the current popularity of tattoos. If there is a way to be new, different and exciting in relation to Jewish faith, it is probably out there.





Wow, I was rather impressed and a bit surprised when I started to research a bit farther for this blog post. Although, now I am not sure why it surprised me so much. I am a Christian and there are just as many "alternative" events within my culture. I think it must be because when one thinks of the Jewish faith, especially one stuck in a small town like Joplin, MO, it is rather easy to play into the stereotype of "Tradition". I am so glad that there are blogs, and websites and retreats out there to help people to return to their heritage... or discover something new.

I found the tattoos the most refreshing part of this article, it is a permanent way for someone to announce to the world about their faith, and beliefs. It sure is a nice change from some of the ugly things people can ink their skin with. In reading this article I ran across a lot of terms that were outside the realm of my learning. I found a wonderful glossary of terms that helped me understand some of what I was reading. Best of all, some of these sites (Wilderness Torah for one) have Face Book groups so I can continue to learn more about them.