The Other Jews
I don’t live in New York (I live in the Boston area), but one thing that really struck me about the survey reported on in your June 22 article, “Changing Face of New York Jewry,” was its adherence to the categories of Reform-Conservative-Orthodox, and the lumping of all other Jews in a category of “unaffiliated” with the assumption that these Jews have a tenuous connection to Judaism.
But what about Jews who do not identify themselves with these traditional categories but who are very involved in independent minyans or congregations and are very active in Jewish life in other ways? I would probably put myself down as “just Jewish” or “unaffiliated,” yet my family and I are very active in our community and send our children to day school! But this survey would probably lump me with Jews who practice another religion. It would be interesting to figure out how may Jews fit into the category of nondenominational yet active. It appears to me that this is a growing and important subset of Jews who are being ignored by the powers that be.
Felice Whittum
Boston, Mass.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
