The overwhelming majority of American Jews say social activism is important to their identity as Jews, and they feel proud that Jewish organizations do social justice work. Not everyone interprets the survey as a clarion call for more social justice activities. I don't know that spending more energy on those activities is an effective strategy for Jewish continuity in America. It is not yet clear how Amos will manage to assist Jewish organizations and champion social justice while avoiding controversy over its choice of causes. Amos' survey indicates that American Jews' favorite causes include abortion rights, fighting against anti-Semitism, access to affordable health care and strengthened gun control laws.
Few causes enjoy complete consensus, however.
In recent years, a number of Jewish leaders, particularly Republicans, have questioned community activism on issues that are not explicitly of Jewish concern. In 1999, top leaders with UJA-Federation of Greater New York urged the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, which coordinates the policies of Jewish organizations on social issues, to narrow its focus to issues of direct concern to the Jewish community, such as elder care and Jewish rescue. The JCPA and the United Jewish Communities, the federation umbrella organization, still are hammering out what role each should play on social justice issues. However, Hannah Rosenthal, the JCPA's executive director, downplayed the lack of consensus. When we work for better conditions in our nursing homes, it's for all recipients, not just for Jews.