Recent law allows all religious groups greater access to public squares, consistent with Abrams's worldview. But it has negligible effect on the dominant demographic trends. Abrams senses the small return to his structural proposals, and his concluding short chapter pleads for a fundamental reorientation of Jewish outlook. But this prescription will not cut it. The Mormon success, for example, depends less on religious doctrine than on insistent participation in the daily church affairs.
Young adults go on a religious mission.
On their return, they must continue to serve the church. Jewish leaders have tried to instill the same level of enthusiasm for Jewish projects and participation. The hard question is whether these newer trends can counteract the powerful forces of assimilation so congenial to the free Jewish intellectual spirit. His next book, ''Principles for a Free Society,'' will be published next year. A beautiful and moving account of Cowan's search for his religious and cultural roots.