Pew Schmoo!
What a blessing it is to be a Jew. "Pew" notwithstanding, "Jew" is everlasting!
They can spend millions on population studies - after all, that is what the Pew Research Center's mandate is, to study and analyze social statistics. But what's omitted from the study is that the Jewish People have been beating statistics for thousands of years.
The Research Centers of Abraham's time laughed so hard at the notion that he would become a father of a great nation, but they too missed the point. Abraham is "The Hebrew", literally translated "the Guy from the Other Side".
The world allows itself to be governed by the laws of nature. Abraham - the first Jew - is the one who flouts the statistics and simply forges on, heeding the call of G-d to "Go Forth!". Those are the first words of G-d to Abraham and they remain the clarion call to all his descendants.
If you get worried looking at Pew’s depressing figures of younger generations’ increasing lack of identification with Jewish life, here is the answer. We can sit here and kvetch, or we can be Abrahams, and do something about it. We can, like Noah, build beautiful Arks that will protect us and maybe our families; or we can be Abrahams—go on the offensive! Reach out and make a difference around us.
This must be our calling today. Introduce other Jews to the depth and majesty of Yidishkeit. To arrange conferences contemplating how to change the tide will not get us too far. Abraham did not sit by meetings, he went out and touched souls. Let you and I do the same. Instead of “saving the Jewish world,” let us influence one person, a second person, a third person, and then a fourth. Bring one more Jew to a class or to a Shabbat dinner.
This week 75 women gathered for an inspiring evening of Jewish discovery at the Kickoff Event for the all-new Rosh Chodesh Society. More than ever, Jews are thirsty to discover the depth and richness of their heritage.
The excitement and energy in the air on Tuesday evening, was very encouraging and promising, for a bright Jewish future for our people.
As in our past, the women will be the ones in the lead towards a renewed Jewish renaissance.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky