Jewish culture is all about community, though in the modern day it has had trouble accounting for demographics that mostly didn't exist before the 20th century. While Jewish organizations like synagogues, community centers and college campus Hillel give plenty of social options for Jewish youth and families, their programming tends to drop off considerably for unmarried individuals who no longer attend school. The young Jewish professional is among the least likely Jewish demographic to participate in any kind of religious community, be it joining a synagogue or participating in local events. After all, why should they take part in a community that does little to meet their needs, either spiritually or socially? The challenge for modern Jewish organizations is not how to draw young professionals to their existing structures, but deciding what kinds of new programming they can launch to appeal to this woefully under-serviced group. The following are a few ideas for young Jewish professional events, whether in an established organization or as a stand-alone activity.
Get Moving, Get Active
Far too many synagogues and other Jewish community organizations limit their concept of young professional events to formless social gatherings like happy hour at a bar. These rarely result in the attendees joining the organization or even visiting other events from the organization. This is simply because it takes more to break the ice for people than just a few drink tickets. Contrary to popular belief, a shared heritage is not enough of a common bond to turn people into friends. They need shared experiences. That's why augmenting that old "Young Jews + Free Drinks" formula with something like a simple team sport, dance lesson or hiking trip can do more to bring these strangers together. By letting them focus on the activity instead of the pressure of making a first impression on potentially dozens of people, their socialization becomes more relaxed and natural.
Guide for the Perplexed (and Impoverished)
No Jewish community has a shortage of study groups and lecture series, though they tend to draw an older, more established crowd. The two main reasons for this are appeal and money. Even on those few occasions when a class or speech on a topic that would interest young Jewish adults comes around, it's often out of the price range for people in the early stages of their careers and usually with a fair amount of college debt hanging over their heads. By reducing class fees and making Jewish history and philosophy relevant to young professionals, those seeking a community experience will find time in their schedules not just to learn, but to learn together with others.
Tikun Olam with New Friends
Especially in the past few years, educated people in their 20's have been a major force for volunteer charity work and political action. The passion of youth combined with the constant information stream of the Internet have mobilized young people and given them a strong sense of social responsibility. Organizing young Jews to participate in a worthy cause in their city can be as simple as starting the right website. By bringing young Jews together to serve their community and make the world a better place, a well-organized volunteer event can give them a meaningful foundation on which to base their new friendships, as well as making the Jewish community a concrete part of their lives rather than just an ephemeral heritage.
It's a sad misconception that young Jewish professionals aren't interested in their religious community. Given activities and substantive experiences to share with people their own age, they can be just as present in the Jewish world as anyone.