Last week I attended a number of sessions of the Jewish People Policy Institute inJerusalem. The conference attracted leaders of major Jewish organizations around the world and was addressed by such heavyweights as President Shimon Peres andUSambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro.
On a positive note I met many intelligent articulate people who have committed their lives to ensuring the future of the Jewish people. Of their good intentions I have no doubt.
Yet I was still left with a sense of sadness and even pity for the participants. The future of the Jewish people at least judging by the measures tossed around at the conference is not a bright one — especially for secular Jews living outside ofIsrael.
First the demographics. Despite the influx of 500000 Jewish immigrants the American Jewish population has not grown over the past 50 years. Of the 5.5 million people listed as “Jews” by the demographers at least one million do not meet the halachic criteria.
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