THE HENRY N. AND SELMA S. RAPAPORT MEMORIAL LECTURE

The Pew Research Center study “A Portrait of Jewish Americans” revealed that most US Jews locate their Jewishness in their ancestry and culture—not in religion. Abigail Pogrebin wondered if perhaps that’s because we haven’t all looked at religious ritual closely enough. Her new book, My Jewish Year, is the result of a deep spiritual and scholarly exploration of every festival and fast, coming at an ancient tradition with fresh eyes.

How can 21st century Jews relate to and find meaning in Jewish observance? What might motivate wandering and wondering Jews to learn more about their faith?