Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
Peoplehood—everyone's talking about it. But what does it actually mean and why is it important to the future of Judaism?
"Why is this conversation important? Why does it merit your attention? If you care about Jewish identity and community, then you know that we have no trouble identifying the problems that fragmentize us as a people but have far less success identifying that which unites us. Without a unifying, collective notion of Jewish identity that is meaningful and robust, it is virtually impossible to make a strong case for Jewish continuity."
—from the Introduction
This call to Jewish community explores the purpose, possibilities and limitations of peoplehood as a unifying concept of community for a people struggling profoundly with Jewish identity. It defines what peoplehood is—and is not—and explores both collective and personal Jewish identity and the nature of identity construction.
Drawing on history, sacred texts and contemporary scholarship, The Case for Jewish Peoplehood identifies some of the obstacles that challenge a shared notion of peoplehood: personal choices, construct of membership and boundaries, growth of Jewish illiteracy, identity fragmentation between Israeli and Diaspora Jewry and the generational divide affecting traditionalists, baby boomers and generations X and Y.
To help you join the conversation, the authors support a vision for the future and provide practical guidance and recommendations for getting there.
"Accessible and stimulating. Opens the windows and doors wide to invite all of us to participate in a spirited conversation about the changing nature of Jewish peoplehood in the twenty-first century."
—Shifra Bronznick, coauthor, Leveling the Playing Field: Advancing Women in Jewish Organizational Life; founder and president, Advancing Women Professionals and the Jewish Community
"Effectively combines a broad review of the Jewish peoplehood concept with a nuanced understanding of how Jews live their lives. The authors take a conceptual framework with its origins in the works of Kaplan to a new plane, understanding that at a time of unlimited choices and unprecedented freedom, Jewish peoplehood takes on a myriad of meanings, while guided by unified values and powerful inspiration."
—Dr. Jeffrey Solomon, president, Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies
“As the issue of Jewish peoplehood assumes greater urgency, Drs. Misha Galperin and Erica Brown have provided us with a rich resource. A must read for all concerned about the Jewish future.”
—Dr. John Ruskay, executive vice president and chief executive officer, UJA-Federation of New York
“Addresses the issue of what the Jewish People really is, and why it is important. The questions raised here must be faced by everyone concerned with a Jewish future.”
—Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD, author, Rethinking Synagogues: A New Vocabulary for Congregational Life
“Timely, immensely thoughtful, provocative, rewarding. Illuminates and enriches every aspect of peoplehood with keen analysis, deep personal insights and wise suggestions.”
—Dr. Jonathan Woocher, chief ideas officer, JESNA; director, Lippman Kanfer Institute
Foreword: Peoplehood and Community ix
Acknowledgments xiii
Introduction: Jews in the 'Hood 1
1. Defining Peoplehood 13
2. Collective Jewish Identity 37
3. Constructing a Personal Jewish Identity 59
4. Pro-Choice Judaism: Are There Too Many Identity Options? 71
5. Membership and Boundaries 87
6. Peoplehood and Intermarriage 99
7. Jewish Literacy and the Peoplehood Prerogative 117
8. Irreconcilable Differences? Jewish and Israeli Identity 133
9. Stepping Across the Generational Divide 149
10. Dreams, Desired Outcomes, and the Jewish Future 165
Notes 183