Gabfest Reads: Where Does the American Jewish Experience Go from Here?
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This podcast delves into the complexities of American Jewish identity, tracing its evolution throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The conversation begins with author Josh Leifer's personal experience growing up in a conservative Jewish community in New Jersey, highlighting the strong influence of Zionism and traditional religious practices. The episode then explores the concept of American Jewish exceptionalism, arguing that American Jews embraced a belief in America's exceptional goodness, reinforced by their experience of relative freedom and America's support for Israel. The conversation then turns to the profound impact of the Holocaust on American Jewish identity, exploring the enduring split in American Jewish consciousness regarding the Holocaust and Israel. Leifer argues that the left emphasizes a universalist message of "never again" for all, while the right focuses on a particularist message of Jewish self-defense. The episode examines the impact of the failed Oslo Peace Process and the 9/11 attacks on American Jewish identity, arguing that these events contributed to a sense of fear and a shift towards a "fortress mentality" within some American Jewish communities. The conversation then focuses on the role of American Jewish political institutions, particularly AIPAC and J Street, highlighting the disconnect between the views of these organizations and the broader American Jewish population. The episode explores the changing landscape of American Jewish religious practice, particularly the decline in attendance at mainline synagogues. Leifer critiques the "anything goes" mentality of some liberal Jewish institutions and argues for a more robust defense of Jewish values and traditions. He then discusses the surprising rise of LGBTQ+ rabbis within liberal Jewish denominations, attributing this to a growing number of LGBTQ+ individuals seeking affirmation and identity within Jewish texts and traditions. The episode examines the growing divide within American Judaism over the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in the wake of the October 7th attacks. Leifer shares his own evolving perspective on Zionism and Israel, highlighting the complexities of navigating this issue. Finally, Leifer offers both prescriptive and analytical perspectives on the future of American Judaism, emphasizing the need for organizations and leaders to address the ambivalence and fear felt by many American Jews regarding Israel and anti-Semitism. He also outlines four potential paths for American Judaism: the dying establishment, prophetic protest, neo-reform, and separatist orthodoxy.
Outlines
American Jewish Identity in the 20th and 21st Centuries
This episode introduces the book "Tablets Shattered" and its exploration of American Jewish identity, setting the stage for a discussion of American exceptionalism, Zionism, the Holocaust, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Josh Leifer's Jewish Upbringing and the Influence of Zionism
Josh Leifer shares his personal experience growing up in a conservative Jewish day school community in New Jersey, highlighting the strong influence of Zionism and traditional religious practices in his upbringing. He contrasts this with the more secular Jewish environment of his husband's family.
American Jewish Exceptionalism and the Post-World War II Era
The episode delves into the concept of American Jewish exceptionalism, particularly in the post-World War II era. Leifer argues that American Jews embraced a belief in America's exceptional goodness, reinforced by their experience of relative freedom and America's support for Israel.
The Holocaust and its Impact on American Jewish Identity
The conversation explores the complex relationship between the Holocaust and American Jewish identity. While American Jews were spared the direct experience of the Holocaust, the event deeply impacted their sense of vulnerability and shaped their views on Israel and the importance of self-defense.
The Split in Holocaust Memory and its Implications for Israel
Leifer discusses the enduring split in American Jewish consciousness regarding the Holocaust, particularly in relation to Israel. He argues that the left emphasizes a universalist message of "never again" for all, while the right focuses on a particularist message of Jewish self-defense.
The Impact of the Oslo Peace Process and 9/11 on American Jewish Identity
The episode examines the impact of the failed Oslo Peace Process and the 9/11 attacks on American Jewish identity. Leifer argues that these events contributed to a sense of fear and a shift towards a "fortress mentality" within some American Jewish communities.
American Jewish Political Institutions and the Israel-Palestine Divide
The conversation focuses on the role of American Jewish political institutions, particularly AIPAC and J Street. Leifer highlights the disconnect between the views of these organizations and the broader American Jewish population, and how J Street emerged as a voice for a more liberal perspective on Israel.
Keywords
American Jewish Exceptionalism
The belief that the Jewish experience in America is uniquely positive and reflects America's exceptional goodness, often linked to the relative freedom from anti-Semitism and America's support for Israel.
Fortress Mentality
A defensive and inward-looking approach to Jewish identity, often characterized by a heightened sense of vulnerability and a focus on security, particularly in response to perceived threats from anti-Semitism and terrorism.
Queer Talmud
A contemporary approach to studying the Talmud that emphasizes the inclusion of LGBTQ+ perspectives and interpretations, seeking to find affirmation and identity within Jewish texts for queer individuals.
Jews by Choice
Individuals who convert to Judaism, often motivated by a connection to Jewish values and traditions, particularly those associated with liberal Judaism's emphasis on social justice and inclusivity.
Prophetic Protest
A form of Jewish activism that finds its primary expression in protest movements, often focused on social justice issues and challenging the status quo, but sometimes lacking a clear vision for the future of Jewish life beyond protest.
Neo-Reform Judaism
A contemporary movement within Reform Judaism that seeks to integrate progressive political values and social justice concerns into synagogue life and religious practice, often emphasizing inclusivity and a more critical engagement with Jewish texts.
Separatist Orthodoxy
A growing segment of Orthodox Judaism that emphasizes a distinct and separate Jewish identity, often characterized by a strong commitment to traditional religious practices and a more insular approach to community life.
Q&A
How has the concept of American Jewish exceptionalism evolved throughout the 20th and 21st centuries?
American Jewish exceptionalism initially centered on the relative freedom from anti-Semitism in America compared to Europe. After World War II, it became intertwined with America's support for Israel, solidifying a sense of American exceptional goodness as ratified by its treatment of Jews.
What are some of the key challenges facing American Jewish institutions in the current era?
American Jewish institutions face challenges from declining synagogue attendance, a growing divide over Israel-Palestine, and the rise of anti-Semitism within both the left and right. They must navigate these complexities while maintaining a sense of community and purpose.
How has the role of LGBTQ+ individuals within American Judaism changed in recent years?
LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly finding a place within Jewish texts and traditions, particularly in liberal denominations. This has led to a growing number of LGBTQ+ rabbis and a more inclusive approach to Jewish identity.
What are some of the potential paths for American Judaism in the future?
American Judaism may face a future characterized by a withering establishment, a focus on prophetic protest, a neo-reform movement, and a growing separatist orthodoxy. These paths represent different approaches to Jewish identity, religious practice, and political engagement.
Show Notes
Political Gabfest host Emily Bazalon talks with author Joshua Leifer about his new book, Tablets Shattered: The End of An American Jewish Century and the Future of Jewish Life. They discuss Leifer’s experience growing up Jewish in America, the conflict in Gaza, how what it means to be Jewish has evolved, and more.
Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)
Podcast production by Cheyna Roth.
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