However, these targeted activities are taking place within a bleak political and social context that is totally beyond our control. Money has been invested in a wide range of programs focussed on themes such as the arts, education, spirituality and literature or designed around cohorts including educators, activists, community professionals and young families. Artists in Neve Tzedek and New York can work together and a community in Tel Aviv can connect with one in Sydney. A French lecture in Montreal is live-streamed to an audience in Paris. A Jew sitting in Bolivia can access a synagogue service in Barcelona. Softly Shouting – a counterpoint: While there is no one solution to these catalysts for quitting, there are many organizations trying to counter the quiet quitters by what I call “softly shouting.” Technology helps of course - Jews are nomadic, global citizens and now even more so. As long as these jobs are regarded askance and poorly paid, staff are literally quitting, citing inadequate support, career progression or validation. Jewish content is created every day on various platforms catering to every religious denomination, but do we have enough data to measure their use and impact? While certain communities continue to flourish it seems that the majority of Jews are simply quitting Jewish life because they have not found a way to make it relevant.Ī rabbi is no job for a nice Jewish boy or girl: While a flurry of idealism and enthusiasm motivates aspiring clergy and communal workers, retention has proved difficult. Seeking souls in the lost and found: Jewish traditions, culture and rituals are multi-layered, historically fascinating and offer a framework for living. While these issues may rouse the diehards, and some brave-hearts have taken a bold public stance, most people are quietly quitting and distancing themselves from speaking out. It’s unclear if celebrity condemnations, social media campaigns and political initiatives to combat antisemitism actually make a Jew safer. The politics of Holocaust education and combatting antisemitism: There seems to be no end of funding for educational activities, monuments and conferences to address these topics, but have they made a difference? It seems that global antisemitic attacks have not abated whether that be physical or online. Energy is now funneled into the global issues of climate change, human rights and food insecurity. With very little to galvanize Jewish communities, activists, particularly the younger ones, are quitting specific Jewish interests. Rebels without a cause: The recent protests in Israel hark back to the ‘golden age’ of rallies, marches and unbridled passion for Jewish causes - the campaigns on behalf of Soviet Jewry being a prime example. However, rather than acknowledge its complexities or advocate on its behalf, many Jews in the Diaspora have already quit from the difficult conversations and simply withdrawn. Israel, innocence lost: Israel is complicated, nuanced and fraught. However, the pressure to give freely of one’s time to help the elderly, visit the sick or set up a charity event drives people to quit rather than be called upon. Volunteering demands are draining: Communities are built on kindness and compassion. Squabbling, power plays and ego-driven decisions simply reinforce the notion that a fresh new perspective is the last thing the establishment wants and causes emerging talent to quit. Communal politics infuriates: The small ‘p’ politics within communities and organizations is the definitive anaphrodisiac.
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