Are Orthodox Jews Truly Accepting of Non-Observant Jews?

Introduction

There are approximately 15 million Jews in the world today, with about half of them residing in Israel. Statistically, the number of Jews should be significantly higher given the global population growth since the 1940s. This discrepancy is not due to a lower birth rate among Jews, but largely due to assimilation and the loss of Jewish identity among Jewish children over several generations. Orthodox Jews predominantly reside in Israel, where assimilation does not necessarily mean a loss of Jewish identity.

Assimilation in Jewish Communities

Many non-observant Jews have chosen to assimilate into non-Jewish cultures, often without the intention of abandoning their Jewish heritage. As one respondent noted, many Orthodox Jews feel a strong connection to Judaism and believe that non-observant people have never truly experienced the joy and fulfillment that come with observing Jewish life.

Orthodox Jews often feel a sense of loss when considering the future generations who may not appreciate their connection to the Jewish nation. However, there is a measure of comfort in knowing that some assimilated Jews eventually find their way back to their roots, often through programs designed to inform them about their heritage.

Personal Experience

The term "perfectly fine" is subjective and can vary based on individual circumstances. Using a non-religious example, I grew up in South Florida with the intention of learning Spanish as my adoptive parents believed it would be beneficial. Despite significant initial struggles, I eventually became proficient in the language. Now, I use Spanish for about 20-30 hours each day at work.

I have two adult children, one of whom is a medical care provider with fluent Spanish skills and the other who learned Korean in the Army. I love and respect both of them deeply, understanding that they have different levels of language proficiency. My role as a parent was to open their minds and hearts, not to ensure they matched a particular benchmark.

Orthodox Judaism and Non-observant Jews

Similarly, many Orthodox Jews feel a sense of concern for non-observant Jews. While they may not be "perfectly fine" with it, they recognize that this is a matter of personal choice. The joy and fulfillment in traditional Jewish life may elude those who have not experienced it. The main concern for Orthodox Jews is often the welfare of future generations and the preservation of Jewish identity.

For some Orthodox Jews, their connection to non-observant family members is deeply personal. Growing up in a home where biological parents are not present can still foster a strong sense of Jewish identity, as seen in my own experience where my mother’s actions, despite her mental health issues, motivated me to become a more observant Jew.

As a parent, opening one's mind and heart is often more important than achieving uniformity. The ultimate goal is to ensure that one's children consider themselves Jewish, regardless of the level of observance, and that they can choose their own path as they see fit.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges of assimilation and the concerns of Orthodox Jews, there is a recognition of personal choice and the importance of opening oneself to different paths within the Jewish community. The ultimate goal is to ensure that Jewish identity is preserved and celebrated, even if it means embracing the diversity that arises from personal decisions and experiences.

Keywords

Orthodox Jews Non-observant Jews Jewish Identity