An Enduring Bond? Jews in the Netherlands and Their Ties with Judaism

Bibliographic Data

ID3638268
AuthorsMarlene De Vries (Schlumberger (Ireland), corresponding author)
Year2006
Volume32
Issue1
Pages69-88
Publication date2006-01-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueNew Community (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0047-9586 • E-ISSN: 1469-9451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691830500335275
OpenAlexW2097148270
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited6

This article is based on two recent studies of Jews in the Netherlands: a randomised survey of 1,036 people and a qualitative study of 30 non-religious, postwar-born Jews. Those with two Jewish parents and a Jewish upbringing were the most likely to exhibit a strong bond with Judaism, especially if they had a Jewish partner. The varied ties that secular, postwar-born Jews felt to Judaism have been deeply influenced by individualism and fragmentation in life. Judaism has become less self-evident for them compared to their parents and grandparents, and has increasingly become a matter of choice, comparable with developments in other ethnic and religious groups. At the same time their bond includes elements that are less uncommitted. Their various ties have different potentials for continuity. Attachments most resembling traditional forms, expressed in observance of Jewish holidays and anchored to social units wider than the family, have the greatest likelihood of continuity. More individualistic forms of Jewish ties, often restricted to personal sentiments and family idiosyncrasies, are the least likely to survive. Rising anti-Semitism and endangerment of Israel may strengthen existing ties

Bond · Economics · Judaism · Political science · Sociology · Theology · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Jewish Identity and Society · Philosophy · Religious studies

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