"In America, Without a Strong Jewish Culture, Clear Recognition Fades" - Insights from Rabbi Menachem Levin

Rabbi Menachem Levin, the rabbi of the "One People" community in California, published an opinion article about two months ago in several media outlets on a particularly painful topic: assimilation. In the article, Rabbi Levin recounts a discussion he had with Knesset members and government ministers about the future of Israeli and American Jewry, where Minister Yariv Levin candidly told him: "Abroad, only religious Jews and Zionist Jews will not assimilate."

While this statement is painful in itself, Rabbi Levin discusses the issue with even greater pain and sharpness. He writes that, in reality, Israelis in America are already assimilating. As a rabbi in Silicon Valley, he finds himself in contact with many Israelis living there. These Israelis are proud of their country and also Zionists, but their belief in Zionism does not offer protection against the widespread assimilation in the U.S.

Rabbi Levin asserts that he constantly witnesses assimilation and discovers more and more Israelis establishing relationships with non-Jews. "Many of them are traditional Jews," he writes, "who would never date a non-Jew in Israel. Yet, in America, without the strong Jewish culture and supportive environment, clear recognition fades."

This deteriorating situation led Rabbi Levin to write the article and share his thoughts with Israelis living abroad or considering moving there.

"As Israelis," writes Rabbi Levin, "you are accustomed to the Jewish aspects of your identity being 'in place' simply by living in Israel. The spoken language is Hebrew, and Jewish holidays are national holidays celebrated communally in schools and in public. Kosher food is readily available, and synagogues are present in every neighborhood."

But, Rabbi Levin warns, America is not like Israel. The national holidays in the U.S. are not Jewish holidays, and public schools in the country encourage the blending of nations. According to Rabbi Levin, Israelis moving to the U.S. think they can instill Israeli identity in their children by speaking to them in Hebrew or maintaining an Israeli social circle. However, that is not enough. "Unless they integrate the use of Hebrew at home and their Israeli friends with a meaningful Jewish connection, it is unlikely that the children will retain their Jewish identity, even for two generations!", warns Rabbi Levin. He adds that children might uphold some tradition to please their parents, but lacking an understanding of its roots, there will be no commitment to prevent them from assimilating.

Various nations have come to America over the years - Irish, Germans, Italians... All these nations assimilated into the American nation within one or two generations, leaving only scant traces of the cultures they brought with them. Unfortunately, this is also happening to liberal Jews who came to America, and it might happen to Israelis who come as well. "Our nation is not a nation unless it is through its teachings" (Rabbi Saadia Gaon, "Beliefs and Opinions"). The Torah is the only thing that can preserve us as a people, and our identity, from the time of the Temple's destruction until today.

"If you find yourselves living in America and want a Jewish identity impervious to assimilation," writes Rabbi Levin, "it is essential that you take action to connect to the Torah. Enroll your children in a school that offers a Jewish education. Join a Torah class yourself. Go to the synagogue… Make these decisions now, while the opportunity is still in your hands."

Rabbi Levin concludes his article with a statement from a father whose daughter married a non-Jew: "Looking back, I probably should have done something differently. But now it is too late."

Do not wait until it is too late.

Saviors – the Department for the Prevention of Assimilation, Aid, Reports, and Donations:

Tel: 073-2221333 or 052-9551591. Email kalina@htv.co.il