The Future of Interfaith And Conservative/Masorti Judaism

In the early 2000’s, a very important program emerged that, one would argue, rescued the Conservative/Masorti movement. With our Pew study numbers showing a dramatic decline in Conservative/Masorti Judaism, Keruv emerged and was a robust success. However, by 2020,  Keruv achieved its success.  The next generation for interfaith development has not emerged.  The numbers of those affiliating with Conservative/Masorti Judaism continue to decline.

Our future should not be stuck in the past. Keruv has left its indelible mark on the Conservative/Masorti movement, but now it is time to develop a new imitative to meet the needs of the Jewish community while maintaining its traditions at the same time. If a new initiative is to form, it has to be in partnership with Federations and Movement leadership. To create success, funding and development is necessary.

Welcoming must be further expanded to be inclusive of interfaith families, as well of those groups designated by FJMC’s Inclusion Initiative – the LGBQTIA+ Communities, Jews of Color, the physically and mentally disabled, and those form non-traditional backgrounds.  Organizations and synagogue websites must change to be more attractive to those looking for a place to have a religious and personal relationship with families that can grow together and not be culturally ostracized from the community.  Unfortunately, separation has been the case in many instances.  Chabad has been successful because they have found a way to truly make people welcomed with no strings attached.

The potential new programming might be called The Interfaith Mandate, Be Part of the Change, Welcoming Interfaith Relationships, or another title designed to bring people together.

Several ideas have surfaced that can be fleshed out if a new, potentially successful program begins to emerge.  For a new program to be successful, it must be funded and available to all generations.   Without a new message, the future of Conservative/Masorti Judaism looks bleak  We all need to be  part of the solution to bring on new and provocative ideas and programming to help redefine what the Conservative/Masorti movement wants to become.