Boston Jews Seek New Identity Beyond Zionism at Major Conference

In Boston, a gathering of nearly 1,000 individuals marked a significant shift in Jewish identity, focusing on a vision for Judaism that redefines its relationship with Zionism. The event, known as the Conference on the Jewish Left, took place on February 12, 2024, at Boston University. It drew representatives from over 30 new Jewish organizations, including Rabbi Greg Hersh’s congregation, V’ahavtah, which emphasizes a Judaism beyond Zionism.

The conference comes in the wake of Israel’s intensified military actions in Gaza, which have drawn significant criticism from various quarters. Hersh, who founded V’ahavtah after resigning from his previous congregation, expressed his discomfort with a decision made on Yom Kippur 2024, when his former synagogue voted to fund military equipment for the Israel Defense Forces. “This is the holiest day of the year,” he recalled questioning the board’s judgment. Their affirmative response prompted him to create a space for those seeking an alternative Jewish experience.

Participants at the conference engaged with various workshops, focusing on themes such as building philanthropic infrastructures and developing ethical frameworks within Judaism. The atmosphere was charged with solidarity as attendees wore kippahs adorned with watermelons, a symbol of support for Palestinians. The overarching message echoed through the event: “None of us are free until all of us are free.”

Prominent speakers included Palestinian activist Fadi Quran, who urged attendees to build institutional power for both Palestinian liberation and Jewish safety. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to foster a world that aligns with shared human values. The context of the discussion is critical, as more than 70,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives during the recent conflict, intensifying the urgency of re-evaluating traditional Jewish beliefs surrounding Israel.

Recent surveys indicate a notable shift in the American Jewish community’s stance on Zionism. According to a February 2024 survey by the Jewish Federations of North America, only one-third of American Jews currently identify as Zionist, even as a significant majority (approximately 90%) support Israel’s existence as a Jewish state. Furthermore, a Washington Post poll revealed that 61% of American Jews perceive Israel as having committed war crimes in Gaza.

This changing perspective is not merely theoretical. In Boston, new congregations like V’ahavtah reflect a growing desire for spaces that do not align with mainstream Jewish nationalism. Hersh’s community offers a model for those who prefer not to pray in synagogues that display the Israeli flag or recite the “Prayer for the State of Israel” during services.

Plans are underway for an alternative Jewish day school in Boston, expected to open in 2029. Founder Leah Robbins envisions a school that will “decouple Judaism from nationalism” while emphasizing justice as a core tenet of the Torah. “We need robust, thick Jewish education to be a real force in the conversation,” she stated, highlighting the school’s potential to serve as a blueprint for similar institutions elsewhere.

Across the U.S., a network of congregations under the banner of Synagogues Rising is emerging, with several committing themselves to Palestinian liberation. These new organizations advocate for a “liberatory Judaism” that prioritizes values of justice, equity, and solidarity.

Conversely, many established Jewish communities remain hesitant to abandon their traditional structures. In response, a coalition of 26 Massachusetts congregations created the Massachusetts Synagogue Network on Israel Palestine. This group aims to assist individuals wishing to engage in critical discussions about Israel within their existing synagogues. Member Mneesha Gellman described their efforts as fostering respectful dialogue rather than severing ties with established traditions.

Younger Jewish individuals are increasingly gravitating toward alternative communities. Rakeea Chesick Gordis, a member of the anti-Zionist prayer group Minyan Zayit, noted a growing thirst for a community that resonates with shared values. “There’s this energy and thirst for a values-aligned community,” she said, reflecting a broader trend among younger Jews who are more engaged in Jewish practices than previous generations.

As the conference concluded, Rabbi Hersh hosted a Shabbat service at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, drawing a diverse group of attendees. During the gathering, they celebrated traditional rituals while also incorporating modern expressions of faith. Hersh observed that many guests had discovered V’ahavtah through the conference, underscoring the strong demand for inclusive Jewish spaces.

“There is this unserved Jewish population that should have the right to do Judaism,” he affirmed. “I’m really proud to be creating that.” This sentiment encapsulates the wider movement in Boston and beyond, as many Jews seek to redefine their identity and community in a rapidly changing world.