The numbers are in. Religious affiliation across the country is down sharply over the last quarter century. Findings from the Pew Research Center show that millennials and members of Gen Z are increasingly likely to identify as having “no religion” when compared to previous generations. They’re also showing less interest in religious services and prayer groups. One significant reason for this shift is that young people often feel disconnected from traditional institutions and tend to prefer identifying as “spiritual but not religious.”
As a millennial myself, I’ve noticed that many of my peers feel that religion just doesn’t speak to them. Going to synagogue, even just once or twice a year, can feel like a burden. The lengthy services, prayers in unfamiliar languages and sermons about unfamiliar topics don’t resonate with them. The idea of doing things just because they’ve always been done that way might have worked for previous generations, but it doesn’t for them.
Another factor contributing to the dissociation from traditional religion may simply be our reduced attention spans. In his book “Amusing Ourselves to Death,” media studies professor Neil Postman analyzes how the human capacity for engaging in prolonged activities has diminished over time. He contrasts the audience’s engagement at the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate, where people sat and listened to the candidates’ uninterrupted speeches for over seven hours, to our modern tendency for consuming bite-sized information. In our world with TikTok-length attention spans, we are no longer as wired to engage in long-form activities, prayer services among them, as our parents or grandparents were.
So for a 21st-century faith leader, the question arises: “How can we make faith meaningful for the modern age?” I genuinely believe that religion, Judaism in my case, can bring meaning and positivity to everyone’s life. As a rabbi within the Chabad movement, our ethos emphasizes meeting people where they’re at. That means reconnecting people with the joy found at every level of Jewish observance. Every aspect of Judaism has a meaning that anyone can appreciate and love – it’s not an all-or-nothing deal.
Let’s consider Shabbat, for instance. Many of our Sabbath traditions encourage mindfulness, introspection and connection with community. This weekly day of rest is a perfect time to pause, catch your breath and reflect on life’s blessings. While taking an entire day of rest may seem impractical, these rituals provide a chance to disconnect from the chaos of screens, phones and daily pressures and instead plug in to something deeper: tradition, community and a higher purpose. As the pandemic showed us all, having regular social interaction is an important component of our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
If committing to a weekly break feels daunting, there are entry points scattered throughout the year. The upcoming Jewish high holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, for instance, offer a chance for introspection and growth. These holidays provide a space to reflect upon life’s bigger questions, for instance – what’s my mission and purpose? How can I make more time for others? How can I become the best version of myself? These questions are ones that resonate with people across the religious and generational divide.
So for this year, while the high holiday services may seem long, remember – they’re not an all-or-nothing proposition. Can’t make it to all the high holiday prayers this year? Attend one. If the traditional synagogue setting feels uneasy, join us at Fort Allen Park for Shofar in the Park on Sept. 17 or come for our community Rosh Hashanah dinner. Start with a single prayer, an event, a moment, and let that be the stepping stone to new heights.
In a fast-paced world of shifting traditions, Judaism and all religion are still relevant. Adapting to 2023 means meeting people where they’re at on their spiritual journey and finding value in simple truths. Whether it’s the reflection of Shabbat or the deep thought of the high holidays, religion offers a venue to pause and connect – with ourselves, our communities, and something greater than ourselves. In this challenging time, religion isn’t just all or nothing; it’s an invitation to connect with age-old wisdom and feel enriched because of it.
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