In a 2015 Pew Research study, it was reported that only four in 10 millennials — adults who were born between 1981 and 1996 — say religion is very important in their lives. This is in stark contrast to older generations, the majority of whom reported religion as a priority in their lives at two times the rate of their younger counterparts.
When it comes to religious affiliation and observance, today’s young adults are not joining synagogues, churches or mosques as readily as previous generations. Despite low rates of religious affiliation, today’s young adults are as likely to prioritize spirituality or engage in spiritual practice when compared to older adults.*
For today’s congregational leaders, current trends of low rates of community involvement among young adults can be worrisome. Nevertheless, as a recently ordained rabbi and a proud millennial, I believe in the possibility of creating meaningful spiritual experiences for our constituents, even though they may be reluctant to enter the doors of the synagogue.
Throughout my years at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, I sought out ways to develop my own spiritual practice outside of the classroom. I have always felt my most authentic self in nature. I participated in Torah Trek, a program that brings together Jewish adults, educators, clergy and rabbinical students who feel called to Judaism, wilderness and spirituality.
The program offers participants the personal experience and skills to bring spiritual, nature programs to their community and into their lives. The yearlong Guides Track program consists of two seven-day wilderness retreats, a third 10-day retreat (including a three-day solo in the wilderness) and regular study between retreats over the academic year.** Participating in such a program offered me the unique opportunity to complement my academic studies at rabbinical school.
In a world inundated with technology and constant communication, the search for spirituality doesn’t require a yearlong commitment and three separate camping excursions. Rather, we can offer meaningful spiritual experiences by encouraging individuals to unplug, devote time to look inward, reflect on who we are and who we want to become.
Personally, the most effective means of engaging spiritually is to be in nature. For others, their ability to engage spiritually may come from working out, an hour of yoga, or breathing deeply while immersed in a warm bubble bath surrounded by scented candles.
Engaging in a spiritual practice isn’t confined to a single approach. The opportunity to connect spirituality is all around us; it is up to the individual as to whether they are open to the experience.
As a congregational rabbi, I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a community in worship each Shabbat, helping to create a spiritual connection among individuals.
Nevertheless, as the landscape of American Jewry continues to change, I am mindful of the potential for congregational leaders to reach outside the realm of our usual purview in an effort to engage today’s young adults.
* Alper, Becka. 2015. “Millennials Are Less Religious Than Older Americans, But Just As Spiritual.” Pew Research Center. Accessed October 27 2017.
Rabbi Simon Stratford is spiritual leader of Congregation Kol Ami of Frederick.
Also see: Jews for Jesus Commissioned a Study on Jewish Millennials. Here’s what it found.
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