Now is the time to help students embrace their Jewish identity meaningfully, publicly and with pride
By Rabbi Ari Perten
Post-Oct. 7 and amidst the continued war in Gaza, our Jewish world has become more fraught. Whether someone is finishing eighth grade or a Ph.D. program, the question of Jewish identity has become increasingly urgent for students headed back to school. Antisemitism is on the rise. Friendships and alliances have shifted as disagreements have expanded beyond political discourse and become intertwined with hate speech. In this reality, many young Jews are experiencing their identity in a new light.
