Eminent Scholars Discuss the Future of American Jewry at Riverdale Temple

(New York, NY) – Riverdale Temple and the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research present American Jewish Identity in the 21st Century: Building a Jewish Future in America, on Sunday, October 18, 2pm at the Riverdale Temple with Dr. Jonathan Brent, Executive Director of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, Dr. Steven M. Cohen, Research Professor of Jewish Social Policy, Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute for Religion, and Rabbi Thomas A. Gardner of Riverdale Temple, who will address widespread concerns about the state of American Jewry today. This event is part of the YIVO Jewish Culture Series at Riverdale Temple and is the first of three programs in the 2015-2016 calendar.

Recent surveys show that the American Jewish community is in a state of transition. The Pew Research Center’s survey of American Jews in 2013 revealed that the practice of Judaism is on the decline, causing Jewish leaders, clergy and others to address how Jews, especially younger Jews, can be encouraged to re-connect to their Jewish identities and cultural heritage. What are the models or experiences essential for building Jewish identity—religious or secular—in modern America, and what practical goals might be defined? This panel will examine the state of American Jewry and what might strengthen ethnic identity in America today.

This program is part of the YIVO Culture Series. For more information, visit www.riverdaletemple.org.

Event Information:

WHAT: American Jewish Identity in the 21st Century: Building a Jewish Future in America
WHEN: Sunday, October 18 at 2:00pm
WHERE: Riverdale Temple, 4545 Independence St. Riverdale NY at 246th Street

YIVO Institute for Jewish Research (yivo.org), located at 15 West 16th Street in New York City, is the world’s premier academic and research institute devoted to East European Jewish history, language and culture, and influence in America. It maintains significant archives for more than 25 million documents, photographs, and memorabilia that enrich its public programs and the study of scholars worldwide.

Riverdale Temple (riverdaletemple.org), established in 1947, was the very first Jewish congregation in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, it is committed to an inclusive approach to Jewish life and celebrates the diversity of its multigenerational membership.

Contact:
 

Riverdale Temple
Yvette Marrin
ymarrin@cristina.org

YIVO Institute for Jewish Research
Alex Weiser
Director of Public Programs
(212) 294-6152