The Jewish American Paradox

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Who should count as Jewish in America? What should be the relationship of American Jews to Israel? The current situation for American Jews is paradoxical; they enjoy unprecedented integration and esteem across American life but face significant challenges. These include rampant intermarriage, weak religious observance, diminished cohesion amid waning anti-Semitism, and conflicting views on Israel. The pressing question is whether the community can sustain a strong sense of Jewish identity for future generations. In this insightful work, Robert H. Mnookin argues that traditional answers no longer suffice. He advocates for a radically inclusive American-Jewish community, where Jewish identity is based on personal choice and public self-identification rather than solely on birth or formal conversion. Rather than discouraging intermarriage or marginalizing critics of Israel, Mnookin envisions a community that embraces diversity and fosters open debate. This approach aims to preserve and strengthen Jewish identity for the next generation and beyond, addressing the complexities of contemporary Jewish life in America.