Chronicle poll results: Jewish communal priorities
We asked our readers which issue should be the top priority for Pittsburgh's Jewish communal organizations. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Which issue should be the top priority for Pittsburgh’s Jewish communal organizations?” Of the 245 people who responded, 32% said combatting antisemitism; 16% said enhancing Jewish education and religious involvement; 11% said helping those in need; 11% said engaging young adults; 10% said enhancing security; 8% said supporting Israel; 12% said “other,” including all of the above, community solidarity and promoting Jewish summer camps. Comments were submitted by 52 people. A few follow.
The best way to ensure the survival of Judaism and the support of Israel is to educate every Jewish child in Jewish day schools. We should be looking at allocating as much of the community’s resources as possible to make this happen.
Israel needs all the help it can get because its enemies are worldwide.
Now more than ever, we need to focus on and engage with all the beautiful parts of Judaism: community, faith, living a meaningful and purposeful life, and helping those less fortunate.
Protecting the physical and emotional well-being of the local Klal Yisrael should be job No. 1.
I think that our Jewish institutions should focus on our local community, in particular, on welcoming and educating young working-class Jews.
Helping those in need is most important, now that there are so many government cutbacks that will hurt many people, especially older adults.
Enhancing Jewish education and religious involvement is a cornerstone for building a viable community that will be enabled to deal with combatting antisemitism, supporting Israel and doing acts of kindness and community support.
While all of these priorities are important, without Jewish education and religious involvement, there’s nothing to combat, support or enhance.
The rampant antisemitism is out of control and needs to be addressed immediately.
The best way to combat antisemitism is through Jewish education.
Jewish communal organizations should serve all Jews and see to the continuation of the Jewish community. If we don’t teach, model and prioritize Jewish involvement and positive Jewish values, we’re just a special interest club.
Combatting antisemitism cannot be accomplished in a silo. We must engage young adults, enhance Jewish education and hold non-confrontational dialogue with those Jews in our community who are intentionally or unintentionally supporting antisemitism. PJC
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