As the lead investigator of the recently released study of Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni, I welcome the extensive coverage given by The Jewish Week (page 1 and Editorial, Oct. 30). I share your editorial position that the study demonstrates the possibilities for engaging the next generation and that the community should be focused on how to ensure that the majority of young adults have an opportunity to participate.
I would, however, like to correct a misperception. The headline suggested that the results were a “mixed bag” and that despite finding that participation in Birthright was associated with a substantially higher rate of inmarriage, other indicators of community involvement were not positive.
Although the inmarriage effect is, perhaps, the most stunning outcome, it’s not the case that other measures were not positive. Across a variety of measures, including religious observance, participation in Birthright Israel had positive impact.
We focused on marriage and family issues because, for young adults, there is perhaps no more important Jewish behavior. Future research will tell us more about how the Birthright Israel generation becomes involved in the community. Nevertheless, the finding that a substantial majority of Birthright Israel participants are “voting” to be part of the Jewish community by their marital decisions is an unequivocally positive outcome.
Professor of Jewish Community Research and Social Policy Brandeis University Waltham, Mass.
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