In an era
when secularism is gaining increasing influence and many people feel
empowered to choose their ethnic and religious identities, why would
someone chose to be committed to Judaism at the real or perceived
expense of placing burdens on their secular lifestyles and goals?
And why
would they do so when so many fail to see any significant difference between
Jewish and secular culture in the United States?
As often has been pointed out, Judaism is more
than a religion. It also can be, and is, viewed variously as a culture,
an ethnicity, a nation and a civilization. But
can Judaism complete as any of these, and survive and thrive through the
coming ages, against the appeal and allure of secular life?
The answer is yes, if it is presented and
perceived as relevant in the context of a secular world.
The Prometheus Foundation is
concerned that a sense of Judaism, Jewishness and Jewish Peoplehood be
fostered, and also be recognized as having sufficient relevant content,
to assure a broad-based commitment to Judaism and the Jewish People for
generations to come. Without meaning to denigrate social action
activities to any extent, the reality is that while these may serve to
get people to join a synagogue, they will not suffice to assure the
survival of Judaism. Only a Jewish content, and/or a sense of
Jewish Peoplehood that has content, will do that. And not
just any content will do. It must be a content that to some extent
informs a person's life and is perceived as relevant to it
We seek these ends through programs that include,
among others, a study into the question of the perceived and actual
relevancy of Judaism to the secular Jew. But we begin at a basic
education/informational level in recognition of how distant too many
Diaspora Jews have drifted from connections, real substantive
connections, with the Jewish People These efforts include a newsletter providing news of,
and information about,
Israel that does not appear in the popular press; providing truly
objective background information on political issues affecting Israel;
and offering travel opportunities to Israel that go beyond presenting
Israel as a museum
by exploring Israeli arts, culture, multi-cultural and outdoor
activities. Its the Raq Rega Project.
Click
Here to find out about
The Raq Rega Project
