The 61% Wake-Up Call: Reviving Jewish Futures
Intermarriage is one of the most pressing issues facing the American Jewish community. Among non-Orthodox Jews who have married in the last decade, a majority—61%—have married partners who are not Jewish (Pew Research Center 2021). This significant number reflects both demographic realities and broader societal trends. The Jewish population in the U.S. is tiny (2.4%), meaning that opportunities for Jews to meet and marry each other are naturally limited compared to other religious groups.
The implications of these patterns are profound. The aforementioned Pew study shows that children from Jewish-only marriages are much more likely to be raised with a strong Jewish identity. In fact, nearly all children of such couples—93%—are brought up with a connection to Judaism as a religion. On the other hand, among interfaith couples, fewer than a third raise their children with a Jewish religious identity, and an additional segment identifies their children as secular Jews or “Jews of no religion.” This underscores the critical role of Jewish marriages in sustaining Jewish heritage and community.
Filling the Post-College Gap
Organizations like Chabad and Hillel do an excellent job of fostering Jewish connection during the college years. Through Shabbat dinners and other social programming, they create spaces where Jewish students can meet each other, bond and explore their spirituality. However, many young Jews lose this connection after graduating. Without structured opportunities to continue engaging in Jewish life, many drift away, making intermarriage more likely.
The years immediately following college—20s and 30s—are a pivotal time for relationship-building and identity formation. If young Jews lack community during this stage, their likelihood of marrying outside the faith increases significantly.
A Model for Success
In my own synagogue, we introduced weekly Shabbat dinners as a natural extension of Friday night services. These complimentary meals (every single Shabbat) created a warm, inviting space where members could connect over food and conversation. The impact was immediate: attendance at services tripled, and members reported feeling a stronger sense of belonging. Relationships blossomed—not just between members, but also with clergy and leadership—deepening communal bonds.
But to connect with non orthodox younger generations, we need to think outside of the box. Imagine reimagining Shabbat in non-traditional ways: hosting Friday night gatherings at trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, art galleries, or unique venues that resonate with young adults. These events would combine the essence of Shabbat—rest, reflection, and connection—with an environment that feels modern and exciting.
Pairing spirituality with appealing, contemporary experiences would make Judaism feel accessible and relevant to 20- and 30-somethings, who may otherwise feel disconnected from traditional religious spaces.
Increasing the Odds
The goal is not to dictate who people marry, but to create conditions that naturally encourage Jewish continuity. By investing in young adults and fostering strong Jewish networks, we can preserve the vibrancy of Jewish life for generations to come.
A Call to Action
Intermarriage rates are a reality, but perhaps also an opportunity. If we focus our resources on supporting young adults during this critical stage of life, we can reimagine what Jewish continuity looks like in the 21st century.
By offering Friday night gatherings week after week without cost meeting young modern Jews where they are, we can transform Jewish life into something vibrant, inclusive, and enduring. The time to act is now.