Rabbi Goodman Proposes Broadening Religious Engagement for Youth
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Yona Goodman proposes that religious institutions and families should broaden opportunities for youth to express their faith beyond just Torah study. He suggests integrating social and community activities, like aiding the needy, alongside learning to increase engagement. Goodman believes this approach will help more young people find a sense of belonging and personal connection to religious life, potentially doubling participation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yona Goodman suggests expanding religious expression beyond Torah study to include social action.
- He argues that focusing solely on learning may alienate some youth from religious identity.
- Goodman proposes integrating activities like packing food for the needy into religious education.
- He believes this broader approach can help more young people find belonging and double religious participation.
- The rabbi also advocates for diverse religious role models within families and communities.
Rabbi Yona Goodman suggests that strengthening religious identity among youth can be achieved by expanding the ways they can express their faith, rather than solely focusing on Torah study. He argues that an exclusive emphasis on learning might alienate students who do not connect with that specific framework.
In a video series, Rabbi Goodman explained that integrating social and community action with religious study could enable more young people to find a place within the religious community. He cited the example of additional Torah study sessions, or 'mishmar,' in yeshivas, which typically attract students who already identify strongly as religious. While this self-perception is positive, Goodman noted that if it's the only option, students who don't wish to participate might feel excluded.
To address this, Goodman proposes diversifying activities within religious educational institutions. He suggests that alongside traditional Torah study, institutions could offer opportunities like packing food for needy families on a Thursday night. "Suddenly the number of religious people will double," he stated, implying that such varied engagement would attract more students.
Rabbi Goodman also advocates for applying this principle to home education. He believes that parents who present only their personal model of religious observance limit their children's understanding. Conversely, exposing children to diverse individuals contributing to the community in various ways can help them find their own suitable path. He stressed that this approach does not diminish the importance of Torah study but rather adds complementary avenues for religious expression and community involvement.
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