Who's the New Jew?

A recent CNN article is making the rounds of Jewish institutions and communities and raises the question of Jewish identity and expression among the Gen X and Millennial generations. The author asserts that some post-baby boomers are finding new, creative, and often controversial ways to express and assert their Jewish identities. The article addresses Jewish Punk music, tattoos, the emergence of prayer groups that have no affiliation with a synagogue, and a number of other experiential, educational, and spiritual pursuits. While some of these innovations might seem rather extreme to some, the idea remains that modern Jews are making choices about how they observe and express their religious, ethnic, cultural, and spiritual identity.

My question to you: how are you making Judaism an important, meaningful part of your life and identity? What choices are you making for yourself (or your family)? Has Shabbat observance (in any form) found its way into your home? Have you identified social action projects that further our aims of Tikkun Olam? Leave a comment and let us know what YOU are doing to stake your claim to faith, religion, and culture.