After finishing our discussion about Jewish fiction in class at the beginning of this week, I continued to think about our concluding question of why Jewish authors are selling themselves and why they even bother giving out awards. We came up with ideas like publicity and promotion so that there are more chances that people will buy the book and in addition to try and continue the Jewish people. I started to brainstorm the ways that people encourage Jews to do things "Jewishly" and how Judaism continues to push outwards into our society. One idea is that Judaism has been around forever so we have no choice but to continue it. Another way is to target the people most at risk for leaving Judaism (the age group of 20-25 year olds) and make sure that they stay immersed in the culture. Reaching out to this age group can be challenging and I do not know many young people who practice Judaism or any religion for that matter continually. Even my roommate who is Israeli and keeps kosher at home with her family does not practice those same rituals here at IU. In general, most of the people I have met here that are Jewish just observe for the high holy days when they get dragged to temple by their parents. So how do we make Judaism new, modern and appealing for these young individuals before it is too late? Now this question really got me wondering and I began to think about myself. I thought about the ways that Judaism is the every day life of my friends and I who all identify as being Jewish and who are between the ages of 20 and 25. I came to the conclusion, that over the last several years certain things that are identified with Judaism have actually become trendy. For example, taking trips to Israel through Birthright or other organizations has in some way become a fad. It is not all about going to Israel to see history and have an educational experience, it has also become a way to socialize and many young people that go, go with their friends or other people that they know. Also, things like the evil eye, hamsa, Kabbalah symbols etc are now seen in fashion magazines, worn by celebrities and people all around the world. You can find bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings, pictures and more with symbols associated with Israel and Judaism on websites and in stores. We have started to market Judaism as something that is cool and trendy. I have to admit, I several pieces of jewelry like this and it has become a huge fashion trend. To prove this point, I went to a website my friends and I frequent often, singer22.com. There were over 11 pieces of jewelry with a hamsa's, evil eyes and red strings. I do not know how this became such a fad, but I found it so interesting that Judaism is now fashionable and cool. I think this is a great way to keep Judaism in the minds of young people and teach them what these symbols mean and why they should wear them. I also looked on the website cjnews.com. This website is The Canadian Jewish News and I found a very interesting article about the Ohel Ya'Akov Community Kollel which was started by a Rabbi who felt a need for a non-conventional Jewish institution. It explains how the Kollel became a meeting place for Jews to meet other Jews. The Rabbi marketed his place and held Kabbalah meetings and Friday night dinners each week. People had little faith that young Jewish people who come for weekly dinners but what started out as 10 people at a table has turned into 100. He urged how we have to market Judaism as something cool or else it will be lost. The idea to create a place that is not a Shul for young people to feel comfortable attending was very smart and sometimes religious buildings can be intimidating. Many have the preconceived notion that religion is serious and dull so making Judaism fun and social is key in encouraging young people to do this Jewish.
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