Recognizing the Challenge

Sometimes referred to ‘Fighting the Last War,’ the process is quite understandable. We had major challenges in the past. We want to fix the mistakes and so learn the lessons from the past. The problem is that the lessons of the past aren’t always so easily applied to changing circumstances.

 

Take a parallel example from the business world. In 1968, the Swiss controlled 70% of the watch industry. By 1980, they were only in control of 10% of sales and 20% of profits.

 

What happened? Electronics and the Japanese. As it turns out, people did want watches, just not the type that the Swiss were selling. The Swiss were fully aware of developing technology and digital watches but they kept doing what had been successful in previous decade. Their approach was correct in the 1950’s and even the 1960’s. But consumer tastes changed right under their noses.

 

We live in an age of the internet, digital photography, and higher gas prices. Companies that adapt succeed. Companies that don’t…

 

The point – to be ready for future challenges, not past one – is foundational, and thus applies to many areas of life. It also applies to Jewish education and inspiration. Our kids are not like the Jewish kids of a generation ago. The world is different. What may have worked to keep us Jewish simply may not work anymore. Kids today, in high school, are living in a world far removed from the one we grew up in. They have cell phones, Ipods, and the internet. Sexual promiscuity is rampant. Drugs are easily available. Only a generation or two ago, most Jews stayed Jewish almost by default. No longer.

 

We need to be better Jewish parents than our parents were because the challenges our kids will face are much greater. A Jewish Maginot Line won’t work.

 

What will? 

I regularly share my thoughts on the subject – it is the main theme of this newsletter. Traditionally, the month before Rosh Hashana (called Elul) is a month of introspection, self-improvement, and planning, to get the year started right.

 

Following in this tradition, this week, I encourage YOU to think about the challenge. You know your kids. You know your neighborhood. You know your synagogue or Temple. You know how much time you and/or your spouse put into Jewishness.

 

In my experience, there is direct correlation between the amount of time parents think about keeping their kids Jewish and the results they see down the line. There are, of course, exceptions. But on the whole, people who sit down and think and talk about the challenges, get clarity on what the difficulties are and try to share ideas on what can be improved … have much better results. In that spirit, here is your homework:

 

Spend five minutes thinking specifically about the challenges facing your kids’ Jewish identity over the next two years. Then spend another five minutes brainstorming about how you may be able to meet those challenges.  

 

You may find that you have more clarity than you realize, and that you already know how to improve your family’s Jewish identification. Please share your insights!

 

Best regards

DK