Q+A: Creating the Jewish Future

Lisa Lepson is executive director of the Joshua Venture Group, an organization that cultivates and supports young Jewish social entrepreneurs. Previously, Lepson served as global director of nonprofit services at RockCorps, which engages youth in volunteerism through the power of music.

What are the biggest challenges when it comes to mobilizing the next generation of Jews?
This generation wants to create their own experiences — to express their Judaism in an authentic and engaged way. They don't want to be told that they are obligated to give Jewishly, or that they must love the State of Israel. They need to learn, to understand, and to experience Jewish life on their own terms. Providing leadership opportunities, microgrants, and funding for their own projects are some of the best ways to mobilize young Jews. Our role should be to empower the next generation to learn about our heritage and our people on their own terms.

How do the religious and other concerns of younger Jews differ from those of their parents' generation?
Most younger Jews live in a multicultural world, where being Jewish is an important part of their identity — but not necessarily the only part. They are looking for ways to express their Judaism that seamlessly integrate into the totality of their lives.

What organizations or movements outside the Jewish world provide a model of continuity and community worth imitating?
I don't think any other community is doing "continuity and community" better than our community. There may be opportunities for us to learn how to better harness social media and technology to strengthen our communal networks across the globe, but generally our community has gotten this far because of our commitment to one another and to the values we hold dear.

What’s your outlook for the Jewish future?
I have a great deal of hope for the next generation, and I trust in them to find their own path to help build the Jewish future. Our community should be heartened as well — to find naches in the diversity of our community, and in the array of options and opportunities our young people are seeking, creating, and participating in.