Sign In  |  Register  |  About Burlingame  |  Contact Us

Burlingame, CA
September 01, 2020 10:18am
7-Day Forecast | Traffic
  • Search Hotels in Burlingame

  • CHECK-IN:
  • CHECK-OUT:
  • ROOMS:

American Jews embrace their faith and traditions in wake of terror attack, survey of rabbis reveals

Judaism in America is experiencing a dramatic revival of interest in practice following the Oct. 7 terror attack in Israel, according to a nationwide survey of rabbis.

Rabbis report a spiritual revival in America as Jews flock to their faith, heritage and religious traditions following the Oct. 7 terror attacks in the state of Israel, according to a new nationwide survey. 

Nearly 99% of the 211 the rabbis who responded to the survey claim that "they have seen an increase in the personal practice of Jewish traditions and observances," Chabad.org stated in a report of the results released on Tuesday.

Its appears that Jews across the United States are embracing faith in a defiant show of unity and resolve in the wake of the murderous rampage by Hamas against Israeli civilians, and amid global antisemitic protests, according Chabad.org spokesperson Rabbi Motti Seligson. 

CHILDREN HELD HOSTAGE BY TERROR GROUP: ‘BRING THEM HOME NOW’ SAYS IT WON'T REST UNTIL ALL ARE SAFELY RETURNED

"Jews are doubling down on being Jewish and recognizing that they are part of a larger people," Rabbi Seligson told Fox News Digital. 

"They’re finding meaningful ways of connecting with their Judaism and with their people with confidence."

Chabad.org, based in New York City, calls itself "the premier Judaism website."

More than 86% of rabbis cited an increase in attendance at their programs or services over the past month, the same study found.

The survey was conducted ahead of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries, on Nov. 9-12, in and around New York City. 

About 6,500 Jewish religious leaders are expected to attend what organizers call "the largest gathering of rabbis in the world."

The sudden upswing in displays of faith and pride in heritage have been especially acute among longtime secular Jews and among Jewish students and faculty on college campuses, according to the report.

It noted that families are "seeking out Jewish instruction for their kids after neglecting it for years" — while one rabbi reported, "I had someone who had only come to Chabad twice in his life purchase a new set of tefillin."

Tefillin are a pair of small black leather boxes containing Hebrew parchment scrolls, with one set worn on the head and another on the arm. 

ISRAELI FATHER PLEADS WITH AMERICANS TO HELP SAVE HIS WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN HELD HOSTAGE IN GAZA

A rising number of Jews are also displaying traditional symbols of faith such as mezuzah, a parchment scroll containing a handwritten confession of faith, typically placed outside the door of a home. 

It identifies the residence as the home of Jews. 

College rabbis say they've seen a sudden upswing in interest in their heritage from Jewish students on campus, too.

"We're seeing a lot of students, their souls are united. They're looking to connect," University of Alabama Rabbi Kussi Lipskier told Fox News Digital.

JEWISH STUDENTS AT GEORGETOWN LAW FEAR VIOLENCE AMID HEATED RHETORIC FROM CLASSMATES AND ANTI-ISRAELI GROUPS

"This is a hard time and they're under pressure. But they're coming back home. Unfortunately, it's under terrible circumstances. But it's a very powerful thing to do and to see." 

Rabbi Lipskier is one of seven brothers, six of whom are rabbis. 

Four of his brothers also serve the faith community at major colleges around the country. 

His campus rabbi brothers have witnessed a similar "thirst to reconnect with Judaism" among students, he said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

He cited one secular Jewish student at Alabama who showed visitors around the campus last weekend before the Crimson Tide's football game against LSU.

"He was walking all over the place wearing his yamakah," said Rabbi Lussiker. "He didn't grow up with any observances. But he wanted to feel more Jewish and also be overtly Jewish."

The survey cited one 22-year-old man, "who knows nothing about his Jewishness and never celebrated any Jewish activity." 

Yet, the statement added, the man "came to us two weeks ago saying he can't stop crying and doesn't know why. He came to Chabad to put on tefillin for the first time in his life."

"These past four weeks, I’ve never felt so Jewish," said another survey comment. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Data & News supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Stock quotes supplied by Barchart
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
 
 
Copyright © 2010-2020 Burlingame.com & California Media Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.