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Zpg and the Jewish Problem

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A moral dilemma confronts Jewish communities worldwide: how to reconcile zero population growth (ZPG) advocacy with Jewish demographic survival after the Holocaust's devastating impact. As Jewish youth disproportionately join the ZPG movement, which advocates limiting families to two children to prevent resource depletion and global starvation, questions arise about sustaining Jewish population numbers. Statistical analysis reveals that while the Holocaust reduced Jewish numbers from 16.6 million in 1939 to 11.0 million in 1945, the population has since grown 31.25% to 14.4 million by 1975, challenging narratives of natural decline. Through examination of fertility patterns, demographic trends, and comparative religious growth models—particularly the Baha'i faith's missionary success—Bar-Zev demonstrates that Jewish demographic sustainability need not conflict with ZPG principles. By defining Jewish essence as intellectual and moral rather than genetic, active conversion of non-Jews to Judaism emerges as a viable solution. The study proposes targeted missionary activity among religiously uncommitted populations as a strategy to maintain Jewish numbers while adhering to global population control imperatives, offering a path forward for communities caught between environmental responsibility and cultural preservation.

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    Published 1976

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    Asher Bar-Zev