Sh’ma, October 2006
This series of valuable articles on Jewish peoplehood includes Alan Hoffman (pp7-8) arguing that peoplehood can provide a sense of connectedness in a time when collective bonds are weakening both in general and Jewish society. However, in order for peoplehood not to be a passive and glib rehash of the “we-are-one” mantra, it needs active and prescriptive content or mitzvot. The minimal conditions of being an active member of the Jewish people and the core values of Jewish peoplehood need to be defined.
read more / discuss

Ezra Kopelowitz, Sh’ma, October 2006, p9
KolDor member, Ezra Kopelowitz disagrees with Hoffman that the priority is defining the mitzvot of peoplehood. More important is to understand what in practice brings Jews together and to accept and celebrate the ability of people to mix and match their identities. “The challenge is not to teach ideology, but rather to encourage Jews to spend time with other Jews, doing things that they enjoy.”
read more / discuss

Steven M. Cohen & Jack Wertheimer, Commentary, June 2006, pp.33-37
Argues that Jewish peoplehood, which has been at the core of Judaism, is now in deep decline in the United States. Attributes this to intermarriage (as both cause and consequence), a general weakening of ethnic identity and social connection among ‘white Americans’, individualism and experimentation in religion and the focus by Jews on working for universal causes at the expense of helping other Jews and Jewish communities.
read more / discuss