Changing Jewish Life

The Jewish community in America is currently undergoing profound changes, and American Jews are experiencing personal and communal realities that differ markedly from those of their parents and grandparents. To meet the needs of this population, a complex human service delivery system has evolved, with a vast array of agencies and organizations providing health care, housing, nutrition programs, counseling, child care, Jewish education, and many other services. In this work, the editors have brought together a collection of essays that explore the nature of these services, the profound implication they are having for the Jewish community, and the planning issues that confront today's American Jews.

The editors have divided the essays into three subject groups, all of which explore the numerous issues crucial to understanding the nature of planning in contemporary Jewish communities. The first section examines transformations in the behavior of American Jews and Jewish identity, covering such topics as education and careers, ethnic clustering, and Jewish fundraising. Section two explores issues involved in providing services to specific populations, including social, educational, and recreational services for singles, families, and children. The final section addresses the planning strategies necessary to meet the changing needs of the community. The four essays here focus on understanding the planning paradigms and realities in the Jewish community, and the roles professionals play in implementing change. This work will be an important resource for students of sociology and Jewish studies, and a valuable addition to most library collections.