viewpoints » S end letters to: letters@thejewishnews.com DETROIT JEWISH NEWS theJEWISHNEWS.com guest column Arthur M. Horwitz Publisher / Executive Editor ahorwitz@renmedia.us Keeping Jerusalem Pluralistic And Vibrant F. Kevin Browett Chief Operating Officer kbrowett@renmedia.us J erusalem, the holy city. A complex and controversial place that is sacred to the three religions of the Book, plastered across international headlines and disputed upon by locals. While consid- ered the booming center of Israel and cul- mination of its unique essence, Jerusalem is in trouble. “Why did you move to Jerusalem?” I am asked in a negative tone by both Israelis and non-Israelis. Many young people view Jerusalem as an old-fashioned, closed-minded and ultra- Orthodox city that is not a suitable place for progressive and secular movers and shakers. Friends have described feelings of alienation, discomfort and judgment as secular Jews in Jerusalem. They feel that in addition to a limited social life, Jerusalem does not provide them with career oppor- Young Jewish adults celebrate Shabbat at a Shalom al Lechem event in Jerusalem. tunity and development, unlike cities such as Tel Aviv. The extremity in religiosity, concerns several unique projects, notably the Shabbat dinner program of safety, less prevalent work opportunities and polarization of coined “Shalom al Lechem” (“greetings over bread”). Jerusalem all contribute to a great cause of concern. As young Shalom al Lechem brings together a small and diverse group of secular people, as well as non-haredi Orthodox, become disil- up to 15 young Israelis and internationals for quality conversation lusioned with Jerusalem and head for Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beersheva, and delicious food in the comfort of a Jerusalem home. The meal and other peripheral cities, the diversity is hosted jointly by native Israelis and internationals, where each that draws Jews of all backgrounds to host invites his or her own group of friends. The hosts reflect Jerusalem is at stake. their favorite traditions and handpick the Shabbat dinner menu Amongst this doubt and speculation, can with a talented chef, who comes to their residence and cooks a Jerusalem remain a pluralistic and vibrant homemade meal with his kosher portable kitchen. space? And with that, one that warmly wel- Shalom al Lechem creates a personal and authentic setting comes newcomers, both young Israelis as where young people can create and join in important discussion well as others from around the world? all while sitting around the Shabbat dinner table. Shany Batit, a According to a 2014 study of Israeli Stephanie young Israeli woman who recently hosted a Shalom al Lechem population movements, 5,720 young Horwitz meal, believes that taking in olim is very important. She told me people between the ages of 20 and 29 that “after serving as an emissary in the United States, I know left Jerusalem and moved to other locali- how good life is there, and I just don’t know how the olim left ties, contributing to a total of 17,090 Israelis of all ages who left those comforts. I am happy to help look after them.” Jerusalem. In the same year, 3,309 olim (immigrants) of all ages Many Israelis are interested in helping new immigrants accli- moved to Jerusalem from abroad. In one year, the net out-migra- tion of Jerusalem’s population increased significantly. As people of mate and adjust into life in Jerusalem, and Jerusalem Village pro- vides them with the unique opportunities to do so. all ages, particularly millennials, leave Jerusalem for the periph- In addition to providing an “in” to the social scene, Jerusalem ery at a rapid rate, Jerusalem’s existence as a Jewishly diverse city Village addresses the issues of Hebrew language and unemploy- is at stake. Enter Jerusalem Village. ment through its tailor-made immersive Hebrew program for RETAINING YOUNG PEOPLE new immigrants called “Alternative.” Jerusalem Village, a nonprofit organization in the heart of the While many new immigrants spend several months studying city, enables cosmopolitan young adults to form invaluable in a formal Hebrew class called an ulpan, they rarely use their connections and to channel their passions to ensure the future Hebrew and revert to speaking in their native tongues once fin- of a vibrant Jerusalem. By mixing together religious, secular, ishing this Hebrew study. Alternative provides young adults in Israelis and Jews from other countries between the ages of 22-35, Jerusalem the opportunity to develop Hebrew proficiency while Jerusalem Village provides a sense of belonging as well as an easing into Israeli life. By bridging between native and new opportunity for meaningful and authentic experiences. Israelis in an interactive learning environment, Alternative cre- “Our research conducted through surveys and focus groups has ates a comfortable Hebrew-speaking community. shown that about 50 percent of new immigrants leave Jerusalem Alternative’s Yomyom (day to day) Hebrew course provides within their first year of living here,” says Jerusalem Village hands-on learning experiences such as learning how to fill out founder and director Lisa Barkan. “The three main reasons for bureaucratic forms or pay a bill over the phone, to mastering leaving Jerusalem they cited were lack of jobs, lack of intimate proper shopping etiquette at the shuk (outdoor market). Yomyom social circles and an inability to speak the language.” helps new immigrants integrate into Israeli society by teach- Jerusalem Village primarily addresses the need for intimate ing them the “ABC’s” of maneuvering through life in Jerusalem. social circles by creating an ecosystem in which Israelis partici- Additionally, Alternative provides employment for young Israelis, pate in welcoming newcomers to the city. This is done through as it hires local natives as teachers and teacher assistants to create continued on page 8 6 November 10 • 2016 | Editorial Managing Editor: Jackie Headapohl jheadapohl@renmedia.us Story Development Editor: Keri Guten Cohen kcohen@thejewishnews.com Arts & Life Editor: Lynne Konstantin lkonstantin@renmedia.us Senior Copy Editor: David Sachs dsachs@renmedia.us Editorial Assistant: Sy Manello smanello@renmedia.us Senior Columnist: Danny Raskin dannyraskin@sbcglobal.net Contributing Editor: Robert Sklar rsklar@renmedia.us Contributing Writers: Ruthan Brodsky, Suzanne Chessler, Annabel Cohen, Don Cohen, Shari S. Cohen, Shelli Liebman Dorfman, Adam Finkel, Ryan Fishman, Stacy Gittleman, Judy Greenwald, Ronelle Grier, Esther Allweiss Ingber, Barbara Lewis, Jennifer Lovy, Rabbi Jason Miller, Alan Muskovitz, Robin Schwartz, Steve Stein | Creative Services Corporate Creative Director: Deborah Schultz dschultz@renmedia.us | Advertising Sales Sales Director: Keith Farber kfarber@renmedia.us Account Executives : Kathryn Andros, Paul Biondi, Wendy Flusty, Annette Kizy, Paige Lustig Sales Manager Assistants : Andrea Gusho, Karen Marzolf | Business Offices Billing Coordinator: Pamela Turner Collections Analyst: Hazel Bender | Production By FARAGO & ASSOCIATES Manager: Scott Drzewiecki Designers: Amy Pollard, Pam Sherevan, Michelle Sheridan, Susan Walker | Detroit Jewish News Chairman: Michael H. Steinhardt President/Publisher: Arthur M. Horwitz ahorwitz@renmedia.us Chief Operating Officer: F. Kevin Browett kbrowett@renmedia.us Controller: Craig R. 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