Communications
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Are American Jews truly shifting rightward from their traditionally liberal political stance? Challenging Rabbi Margolies' assertions of a conservative transformation within American Jewish communities, this critical analysis examines both political orientation shifts and pressing social challenges through empirical questioning of demographic trends. The research disputes assumptions that political conservatism inherently conflicts with prophetic mandates for justice, investigating whether conservative political leanings truly preclude fulfillment of ethical obligations between individuals. Beyond political dynamics, the analysis reveals profound demographic changes, with approximately two million Jewish singles facing complex social, psychological, financial, and religious complications. One in three Jewish marriages ends in divorce, exposing the inadequacy of traditional patriarchal family structures in providing guidance for modern single-parent households. Synagogues emerge as central institutions requiring significant reorientation, with expanded programming, educational initiatives, and community support systems needed to address these demographic shifts. The findings demonstrate that automatic alliances between rabbis and political extremes—whether left or right—prove equally problematic, suggesting instead a more nuanced approach to contemporary Jewish community leadership that addresses evolving social realities while maintaining religious authenticity and effectiveness.

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Published 1979
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