This essential resource identifies college campuses as incubators of new and vibrant expressions of Jewish life.
The Jewish world is changing before our eyes. The traditional notions of what it means to be a Jew, what Jewish organizations look like and what Jewish leadership means are no longer working, leaving many Jewish organizations in a struggle for survival. Many Jewish leaders are afraid that this will only get worse as the millennials—the “my way, right away, why pay” generation—begin to enter adulthood. But college campuses are incubators of new and vibrant expressions of Jewish life. With motivation and entrepreneurial spirit, and without the limitations of cynicism or institutional history, students are inventing and reinventing Jewish community, Jewish prayer, Jewish service and Jewish learning, and Hillel is right there with them. Each chapter of this book explores innovations developed on the University of Pennsylvania campus and shows how they can be applied to synagogues, Federations and JCCs to help them reinvent themselves so that they are better able to meet the changing needs of American Jews. This is an essential resource for lay leaders, rabbis, cantors and anyone who wants to build a brighter Jewish future for all Jews and the institutions that support them.
"Next Generation Judaism is a must-read for all who care about ensuring a strong, vibrant Jewish future. Rabbi Mike Uram, a long-time leader in the Hillel movement, has been at the forefront of helping today’s young adults find meaning in Jewish life. Now he has taken insights from the Hillel experience and created a 21st century roadmap for meeting millennial Jews where they are and connecting them with each other, with Jewish values and with the global Jewish people."
—Lynn Schusterman, founder and co-chair, Schusterman Foundation
"A savvy and thoughtful guide to revitalizing our institutions and inspiring your Jews."
—Rabbi David Wolpe, author, David: The Divided Heart
Rabbi Mike Uram is one of the first thought leaders focused on the glass half full versus half empty relating to the Jewish community. His idea of focusing on building Jewish identity head of community affiliation is spot on. Meeting our young adults where they are and doing so with inventiveness and creativity is why Penn Hillel has set a new standard. Optimism abounds with thoughtful ideas. A must read for any Jewish leader interested in Jewish innovation for the future."
—Jerry Silverman, President and CEO, Jewish Federations of North America