An enormous change is taking place within the American Jewish community as the decades-long Zionist consensus starts to fray. Arielle Angel, the editor-in-chief of Jewish Currents, has put together a provocative piece for us called We Need New Jewish Institutions. In her article, she calls on us to reconsider our current frameworks, particularly in light of the continuing devastation in Gaza.
The destruction of this consensus has been brought about by Israel’s actions. Most American Jews would agree that these actions are above all inconsistent with our values. Though liberal Zionism is still well represented in many synagogues and institutional Jewish life, it is increasingly on the defensive. This change raises profound issues on how Zionism continues to inform contemporary Jewish identity. More personally, it imperils the future of Jewish institutions in America – my future.
This is where Hannah Arendt’s insights on ideological hegemony ring especially true. Of course, she cautioned that kind of domination always ends up destroying the dominating in any group. The basic liberal tenets of liberalism—equality and the protection of individual rights—are continually in conflict with the current realities taking place inside Israel. These days, the majority of Jews are facing an existential dilemma between what they’ve been raised to believe and the atrocious actions of the Israeli government.
This is the profound aspiration of the founders of the Zionist project. They had hoped that creating a Jewish homeland would prevent abuses like the Holocaust from ever happening again. Israel’s policies are changing fast. Yet as this continues, an increasing number of people in the Jewish community are asking whether this goal has been achieved or whether it has inflicted worse suffering.
In reaction to this unfortunate and changing reality, dozens of non- or anti-Zionist congregations and minyanim have sprouted up. Jewish Voice for Peace organizing Membership in Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow has skyrocketed. This shift points to a deep hunger for alternative manifestations of Jewish identity – ones that profoundly diverge from traditional Zionist narratives.
As one example of this shift, the first-ever non-Zionist Jewish Day School recently opened its doors in Somerville, Massachusetts—growing that response and leading the charge. Jews everywhere have been in love with the Yiddish language and culture. This revival is part of a much larger movement to explore Jewish identity outside of Zionist parameters.
Among American Jewish college campuses, non-Zionist Jewish student organizations are quickly gaining ground as well, with three of them recently established on the campus of Harvard University. This trend reflects a growing demand among younger Jews for spaces that align with their values and beliefs regarding Israel and its policies.
The continued growth of Jewish Currents has both benefitted from and contributed to these exciting developments. The publication’s focus on progressive Jewish thought resonates with those seeking a platform for discussing complex issues surrounding Jewish identity and Israel. Angel’s leadership at Jewish Currents makes her one of the most exciting and inspiring figures leading this evolving discourse.
In Boston, a new organization known as The Jewish Left has emerged from Boston University, further contributing to the dialogue about the future of Jewish life in America. The organization seeks to create a platform for leftist thought within the Jewish community, challenging traditional perspectives and encouraging critical engagement with contemporary issues.
With its Israelization, for almost two generations, having saturated the full range of American Jewish life. The six-day war of 1967 was a turning point, pushing Zionism’s clasp on American Jewry even tighter. As sentiments shift and new organizations arise, it becomes clear that many are ready to explore alternative paths that may redefine what it means to be Jewish in America today.
“If a temple is to be erected a temple must be destroyed; that is the law.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
These new movements are more than simply reactions to this time’s events. They signal a deep radicalization about what Jewish community is and should aspire to be. As discussions continue around these themes, it is evident that many American Jews are actively seeking new institutions that reflect their values and aspirations.