Why Do Jewish? A Manifesto for 21st Century Jewish Peoplehood

Zack Bodner (MA, Religion, 1999) is the president and CEO of Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC). It is an organization housed in Palo Alto, CA at the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life, whose manifesto states the belief that “21^st century Jewish life must be relevant, robust and radically inclusive” (PaloAltoJCC.org).

Bodner fully outlines that manifesto through the publication of his new book, Why Do Jewish? A Manifesto for 21st Century Jewish Peoplehood, which reflects OFJCC’s mission and seeks to answer the age-old question: How do I live a more meaningful life? Bodner and the team at OFJCC celebrated the book’s launch this fall.

Shifting the commonly held focus on “why be Jewish?” to “why do Jewish?” Bodner explores the evolution of Judaism to what he refers to as “Jewish Peoplehood 4.0,” a modern, contemporary framework on the classic system of belief—and, by extension, a way of life. (Gefen) Purchase your copy of Why Do Jewish at Gefen Publishing House.