The Changing Face of Judaism

May 8, 1999

Source: Omaha World-Herald

On May 8, 1999, the Omaha World-Herald published an article on a talk by historian Jonathan Sarna concerning the changing demographics of Judaism in the United States. According to Sarna, the Jewish population in America in the 1940s was 3.7 percent - now it is 2.2 percent. Israel will soon displace the United States as the largest Jewish community in the world, but American Judaism has spawned many new movements. Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox are "sharing the stage" with Jewish New Age, transdenominational, and other movements. Sarna believes that this adds up to an identity crisis, in which the options are assimilation, revitalization, and renewal. Sarna stated: "The decisions we make will make the difference. The future belongs to Jews with the vision and fortitude to shape the future."