Messianic Jewish Theological Institute • American Jews in 2023 • Part 3
Millennials & Generation Z
Making room for the next generation of Jews

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/
Silent Generation
Boomer Generation
Generation X
Millennials (Gen Y)
Generation Z

Barna Research Study of Jewish Millennials
2017
American Jewish Committee’s
Study of Jewish Millennials
2022
Reboot’s Latte Report of Jews Ages 18-25
2006

Jewish Millennials
1. Optimistic — Con
fi
dent, Forward thinking
2. Post-ethnic — Racially, Ethnically diverse
3. Jews by choice — Not by obligation
4. Jewishly Engaged — but in other ways
5. Open — to spiritual conversations
6. Inclusive - reject Jewish tribalism
Mayim Bialik, Jewish Millennial actress

1. Optimistic
Unlike their Parents
Closer relationships with Boomer Parents
Inspired by their parents’ generation
The Goldbergs

2. Postethnic
Unlike their parents
54% of Millennials have only one Jewish parent

Non-Ashenazi Jews
• 40% of American Jews (18-29) are non-Ashkenazi Jews
Jews from the Middle East
Jews of Color
Asian Jews
Hispanic Jews (white/non-white)
Mixed
Pew Research, 2021, “9. Race, ethnicity”

Jews of Color
Jews who identify as non-white
• Approx. Number of Jews of Color 420,000
• American Jews on the average 12-15%
• 2017 San Francisco Bay Area study 13%
• 2011 New York City Metro study 12%
•
Ari Kelman, “Counting Inconsistencies” Stanford University. 2019
https://www.jewishdatabank.org/content/upload/bjdb/2019_Counting_Inconsistencies_Methodological_Appendix_Focus_on_Jews_of_Color.pdf

The Messianic Movement began as an ethnically and racially diverse movement.
What is our contribution toward understanding Jewish identity in the 21st Century?

2. Postethnic
Unlike their parents
Younger Jews draw from two or more cultural
and ethnic heritages.
Carrie-Fu Meyer

Implications
• Many grew up celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah
• Many are familiar with and comfortable discussing Christian beliefs.
• Many Christian friends have Jewish in-laws who might be open
• Many borrow parts of belief, practice, and culture (hybridity)

3. Jews by Choice
Unlike Their Parents
Jewish millennials choose which aspects
of their Jewish heritage they identify with
Resist being told they are Jewishly obligated
Helen Kim with family

Implications
• Many young adults are turned o
ff
by arguments based
on duty, survival, and the Holocaust

4. Jewishly Engaged
Unlike their parents:
• Many don’t attend synagogue
• Many aren’t members of Jewish organizations
• Most aren’t familiar with Jewish prayers
• Yet they Jewish to Jewishly engage in other ways
Young Millennials celebrate Havdalah

Implications
• Many young adults don’t want to attend a messianic
synagogue with no one their age
• But they will attend a small group
• They will come to your house for Shabbat Dinner!
• Our ministry to YA must extend beyond Sat. Morning
• Examples: Moishe House, Torah on Tap

5. Spiritually Open
Unlike their parents
Young Jews are more comfortable with spiritual
conversations and with talking about “God”

6. Inclusive
Unlike their parents
Many reject the tribalism of their parents
generation, and welcome intermarried non-
Jewish family members, and those who want to
“Do Jewish” with them.
Rabbi Sharon Brouse — IKAR in Los Angeles

Clip of Janelle or IKAR woman

8. Want to Participate
Young adults want to participate (be used)
They want to be empowered
They want to be mentored

Traditional Model of American Messianic Ministries/Congregations
• Visionary (transformational) leader
• Who founded / pioneered the movement in the 1970s
• Who is a Baby Boomer
• Who leads a personality-driven ministry
• Who sets the example, tone, and vision
• Then slowly allows young leaders to follow after them.

How do we transform our movement?
• To involve young adults?
• To allow them to contribute their vision?
• What kind of leadership is necessary?

7. More Critical of Israel
Unlike their parents
Many millennials are less attached to Israel, and
more willing to criticize Israel’s
(To be continued…)
Jewish Voice for Peace