JPPI Dialogue Seminars Questionnaire:
Exploring the Jewish Spectrum in a Time of Fluid Identity
Please take 5-7 minutes to answer the following questions. For each question, please try to circle the one answer that is closest to your own view.
1. To what extent is each of the following aspects of Judaism a primary component of Jewishness? (Please mark each category on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being “not at all” and 5 being “very much so” – and try to have a hierarchy between the components that will help us understand which of the four are the more/less important)
|
Culture |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Genealogy |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Religion |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Peoplehood/Nationality |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
—
2. Whom do you consider to be a Jew?
A. A person that decides that s/he is Jewish.
B. A person born to a Jewish parent, or one that was converted to Judaism.
C. A person born to a Jewish mother, or one that was converted to Judaism.
D. A person that lives an active, engaged Jewish life.
3. If there is a need for a body to determine who is Jewish, should it be…
A. No, only the person himself/herself.
B. The Jewish community in which s/he lives.
C. It is a matter for rabbis to decide.
D. The State of Israel.
4. To what extent are the following components essential to being Jewish? (Please mark each category on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being “not at all” and 5 being “very much so”)
|
Keeping the laws of the Torah |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Working to better the world |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Studying Jewish texts, history, and culture |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Taking care of other Jews and Israel |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
Being a part of a Jewishly inspired group |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
—
5. Is it necessary to have a broadly accepted understanding of who is a Jew?
A. No need – it is good to have a variety of options.
B. Yes – there is such need, because otherwise the Jews would not be “a people.”
C. Only the State of Israel needs a definition.
D. One definition for Israel and another for the Jewish Diaspora.
6. According to Israeli law, every Jew has the right to settle in Israel. How would you propose Israel define a Jew for this purpose?
A. A person that decides that s/he is Jewish.
B. A person that the local community recognizes as Jewish.
C. A person born to a Jewish parent, or one that was converted to Judaism.
D. A person with a Jewish family background (grandparent).
E. Only a person born to a Jewish mother, or one that was converted to Judaism by an Orthodox rabbi.
F. A person that lives an active Jewish life.
7. To what degree you agree/disagree with the following statements:
|
|
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
|
Intermarriage could be a blessing for the future of Judaism |
|
|
|
|
|
A conversion by a Reform/Conservative rabbi is legitimate |
|
|
|
|
|
The Jewish community should encourage Jews to marry other Jews |
|
|
|
|
|
A state, including Israel, has no place in deciding one’s Jewishness |
|
|
|
|
|
Israel’s definition of “Jew” is an insult to Diaspora Jewry |
|
|
|
|
—
8. Thinking about Israel-Diaspora relations, do you generally believe that?
A. Israel should decide who is considered Jewish in Israel without regard to the views of Jews living outside of Israel.
B. Israel should consider the views of non-Israeli Jews mostly because its definition could have an impact on their lives.
C. Israel should consider the views of non-Israeli Jews, mostly because all Jews define the framework of Jewishness.
D. Israel should consider the views of non-Israeli Jews, mostly because it wants to keep other Jews associated with it and supporting it.
9. Off the top of your head, tell us in no more than a sentence what, in your view, is the most important Jewish value:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. On another topic: Do you think the current Israeli government is making a sincere effort to bring about a peace settlement with the Palestinians?
A. Yes, Israel is making a sincere effort.
B. No, Israel is not making a sincere effort.
Please answer the following background questions:
Country:_______________ City:__________________
Age:________________ Male/Female
Religious Affiliation (Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Secular, Other):
________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you a member of a Jewish organization (If yes, please specify the main organization(s))?__________________________________________________
How many times have you visited Israel?
|
0 |
1 |
2 |
3-5 |
6-9 |
10 + |
Israeli |
—
This part is for Israeli participants only (those currently living in Israel, or those residing temporarily abroad):
Have you lived in a country other than Israel for an extended period of time? (Where?)__________________________________________________
Do you visit Jewish institutions (synagogues, community centers) or events organized by Jewish institutions) when you are away from Israel? ________________________________
Please mark the answer closest to your view: How would you define the Jewish Diaspora?
A. A strong and thriving community.
B. An assimilated and weak community.