Who are we becoming and why? In this period of extraordinary disruption, where many of our beliefs, values and ideals are being challenged, we are finding that our very identities as Jews are being transformed. For some of us, we are shaping our new persona, and for others, the outside world has imposed labels.

“Who are we” is no longer merely a theoretical proposition but a defining construct of where and how we find ourselves amidst the “undoing’s” of our lives. We are reminded that Jewish identities are always in transition. Indeed, labels can be fluid and contested. Today, as a result of the elements surrounding us and in response to what is happening both beyond and within the Jewish world, we see multiple new and different Jewish identities being formed.

It is certainly not the case that trauma and change have galvanized us into one body politic. Quite the opposite, in transformative spaces, there is a tendency to adopt a fight or flight response, leading us in multiple and at times competing directions.

Shadow Jews: A new era of fear has generated the re-emergence of a generation of Jews who seek to shed or hide their public Jewish image. This retreat into silence has resulted from the onslaught of hatred we are experiencing, resulting in their anxiety to publicly identify as part of the Jewish people. The shadows provides a safe space.

Disconnected Jews: Today, there are Jews amongst us who feel alienated from the Jewish public square, as they have become disconnected from Israel over its policies and practices and as they remove themselves from the communal space over disagreements associated with how as a community we define and manage the issues of Zionism, antisemitism, and more. As dissenters, they may hold an array of views as post-Zionists, anti-Zionists, or Israel government critics.

Faith-Based Jews: For many, whether out of a sense of political weariness or renewed attention to the spiritual and religious space, there has been an effort to refocus their energies “elsewhere”. This disconnect from the world offers a zone of security, even safety, from the complexities of the Jewish public square and the broader social pressures.

Triumphant Jews: Others of us perceive this moment as both a religious and political affirmation. Even amidst a world focused on critiquing Israel, Zionism and Jews, this community draws strength and comfort from the affirmation of Jewish political power as expressed in various settings. The emergence of Zionist nationalism, the celebration of Israeli militarism, and the strengthening of American Jewish Republicanism provide for this cohort a sense of direction and clarity. They have become empowered in this moment as proud Jews, as they seek to reclaim “public markers” including the Star of David and kippot, as statements of affirmation.

Emergent Jews: In the aftermath of October 7th (2023), a new body of Jewish activists and actors is stepping forward. Their awakening to who they are and what it may mean to be Jewish has afforded them an opportunity to experience Judaism and encounter Israel. For some, this moment represents their first Jewish experience, while for others this is represents their return to their communal roots.

There are various subgroups and off shoots from these expressions.

There is a cadre of “alarmist Jews” who place security above all other priorities and definitions, as they seek to promote policies and practices of safety.

We can identify a sector within the community (“Trauma-Focused”) who have centered their efforts in the aftermath of violence on managing mental health and the physical well-being of Jews.

For example, we now are encountering Diaspora-First Jews, who in their critique of and hostility to Zionism and the government of Israel are reasserting the primacy of the Diaspora model. A counter point to this movement are “Israel-First” Jews who today are active, public defenders of the case for Israel.

Interfaith-Bridge Jews are seen as actors seeking to construct alliances and connections with other marginalized communities while navigating tensions over Israel/Palestine.

No doubt, there is a subset of Gen Z Jews who may be experimenting with an array of identities, cultural forms, and political connections.

Accompanying the identity scene are other communal and personal expressions of behavior:

Increased Jewish philanthropy.

New cultural productions, involving music, literature, and testimony, grappling with trauma and identity.

More public debates about Israel, Zionism, Jewish continuity, and antisemitism.

Shifting relationships with other minority groups — both new solidarities and sharper conflicts.

Migration and relocation conversations in connection with issues including identity and safety.

No doubt, there are other models of Jewish behavior that reflect this moment in time. Even as some Jews may wear multiple identities, the world around us continues to try to define who we are and are becoming.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)