Forward.com

Continuity Beyond Communal WallsWith all the critique leveled at Jewish institutions these days, it’s worth recalling that congregations and Jewish community centers are extraordinarily successful in appealing to a particular segment of American Jews. Of those who are in-married with school-age children, well over 80% are affiliated with a Jewish institution, generally a synagogue or JCC. Once parents give birth to a Jewish child, the chances that they will find Jewish friends and come into the orbit of conventional organized Jewry are indeed very high.…Read more

Poll: Attachment of U.S. Jews To Israel Falls in Past 2 YearsThe attachment of American Jews to Israel has weakened measurably in the last two years, a recent survey demonstrates, continuing a long-term trend visible during the past decade and a half.The weakening is apparent in almost every measure of Jewish connection to Israel except for interest in travel to Israel, which showed a slight uptick, and a…Read more

Charles Liebman Shed Light on Jewish CultureCharles Liebman, widely regarded as the pre-eminent social scientist of Jews and Judaism in the latter third of the 20th century, died last week in Petah Tikva at age 69. A political scientist by discipline, his dozen books and scores of scholarly articles deftly interpret the culture of Judaism and the Jewish people in the United States, Israel…Read more

Terrorism Stokes New Set of Fears Among Jews: PollAlarmed by the growing specter of terrorism abroad and at home, American Jews report feeling high levels of anxiety and fear of further attacks — on their nation, their community and themselves. The September 11 attacks, ongoing violence in Israel and reports of antisemitic threats worldwide have combined to create a widespread feeling…Read more

Jews Hardline, Yet Detached, In New SurveyMore than two years of violence in Israel and the territories have hardened American Jews’ attitudes toward the Palestinians, a new survey shows. The survey also found strong majorities backing the Sharon government’s tough anti-terrorist measures and opposing American pressure to moderate Israeli actions. Fully two-thirds of respondents say…Read more