Law professor proposes new consensus to heal US Jewish polarization

The American Jewish community is grappling with significant internal divisions that mirror the broader political polarization in the United States. These fractures extend beyond simple left-right or religious-spiritual lines, touching on fundamental questions about identity, solidarity with Israel, and the definition of antisemitism. The attacks on Israel by Hamas in October 2023 initially created a brief sense of communal unity, but that consensus quickly faded, leaving visible fault lines within the community.

In her book Polarized: Why American Jews Are Divided and What to Do About It, Roberta Rosenthal Kwall, a law professor at DePaul University College of Law, analyzes these deepening rifts. Kwall contends that while the community is fractured by political, religious, and generational differences, a majority consensus still exists. She argues that this consensus can serve as the foundation for a strong, broad Jewish center capable of accommodating disagreement without collapsing.

Kwall identifies the primary divide as being between those who are both politically and religiously liberal and those who are politically and religiously conservative. Approximately 75 percent of American Jews identify as politically liberal, a group that includes most Reform and Conservative Jews. The remaining 25 percent, who tend to be politically conservative, are largely Orthodox, though this group also includes some non-Orthodox Jews, such as immigrants from the former Soviet Union and certain Sephardic communities.

The professor emphasizes that the issue is not disagreement itself, which has long been a feature of Jewish life, but rather the intense vilification that has become common. She cites research indicating that this tendency to label opponents as immoral or evil is a relatively recent phenomenon, emerging over the last decade. This toxic dynamic is exacerbated by social and professional segregation, where individuals rarely engage with those who hold different views on politics or religious practice.

Kwall notes that polarization manifests differently depending on the environment. In academic settings, which are predominantly liberal, the lack of diverse perspectives can lead to a self-reinforcing echo chamber. In contrast, some circles on the right may exhibit different patterns of engagement. She suggests that while religiously liberal Jews are often willing to dialogue with their conservative counterparts, Orthodox communities may sometimes have more rigid boundaries, particularly regarding religious law.

Her proposed consensus includes several key points, such as recognizing Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state and acknowledging that criticism of the Israeli government is legitimate. The platform also calls for a commitment to fighting antisemitism from all sides and extends sympathy to innocent Palestinians. Kwall acknowledges that anti-Zionist voices, which have gained prominence in recent years, may not fit within this specific framework, but she argues they do not represent the majority of American Jews.

To build this broad center, Kwall advocates for educational initiatives that target younger generations, particularly Generation Alpha. She suggests that Jewish organizations develop curricula that address Zionism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and antisemitism in a nuanced way. She points to examples like Erica Brown's call for Orthodox day schools to update their teachings, aiming to create a more affirming narrative for the next generation.

Kwall also highlights the importance of strengthening norms of Jewish practice and ritual among non-Orthodox communities. She expresses concern about the future of American Judaism, citing studies that predict a shift toward non-denominational identity by 2063. She believes that shared ritual is essential for long-term communal cohesion and transmission of tradition.

While her book draws on perspectives from various political camps, including center-right thinkers, Kwall strives to maintain a neutral stance. She acknowledges the influence of broader societal forces but insists that the Jewish community must coalesce and improve its behavior to remain united. Her ultimate goal is to foster an environment where American Jews can speak to and appreciate one another, even when they disagree.