‘The Surge’ and Older Millennials Without Children
By Allison Magagnosc
As a Jewish millennial without children, I have noticed that my peers and I occupy a unique space within the traditional structures of Jewish communal life. (While no group is monolithic, these reflections are informed by personal experience and conversations with others at a similar life stage.) I draw on three research opportunities: interviews conducted with nine of my Hebrew school classmates two decades after our B’nai Mitzvot; my observation of an immersive trip for young couples (aged 25-40) exploring how Jewish values, traditions, and culture can inform their everyday lives; and focus groups with alumni at least five years after participating in experiences such as Jewish camp, youth group, Jewish group on campus, Birthright, and Moishe House.
Younger Jews often connect with established programs like Birthright, Hillel, and Moishe House; and families with children have a wealth of opportunities through initiatives such as PJ Library and the communities that form through Jewish educational institutions. However, for those of us in our late 30s without children, there is a notable gap in accessible, meaningful opportunities for Jewish engagement.
In the wake of the events of October 7th, many are seeking renewed Jewish connections. This presents community leaders and organizations with a unique opportunity: how can they better serve unengaged or under-engaged millennials without children? Here are a few considerations:
Embrace Lifelong Learning. While many in this demographic are well-established in their careers, they continue to seek opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. Jewish organizations can tap into this hunger for learning by offering programs that help people reflect on current events through a Jewish lens or applying timeless Jewish concepts to personal growth. Providing spaces for discussion, learning, and debate that center on how Jewish wisdom intersects with modern issues would give this group a meaningful way to engage with their Jewish identity in a thoughtful, enriching way.
Reimagine Religious Practices. For many Jewish millennials without children, there still exists a desire to mark Jewish holidays and time throughout the year in ways that are not rooted in traditional religious practices. Many people still celebrate with and rely on their families to hold space for the holidays. Jewish organizations can think about intergenerational programming for this age group; especially as our parents age, what could millennials do to preserve their family’s knowledge and traditions. As we start to craft our own holiday celebrations, Jewish organizations can provide examples of cultural and communal ways to honor the holidays so as to help us create traditions that reflect our values and lifestyles.
Foster Meaningful Gatherings. Without the connections that come with parenthood, Jewish institutions can play a crucial role in fostering community among millennials by meeting them where they are. Programs that highlight Jewish culture in their community, such as food tours, local Jewish history, or Jewish-themed social justice work, can offer an entry point for this group to reconnect with other Jewish people in their community. By offering ideas and strategies for infusing Jewish values into their hobbies, organizations can help individuals find a deeper connection to their heritage and others who share similar interests.
By focusing on intellectual exploration, cultural reimagining, and authentic community-building outside of traditional family and religious structures, Jewish organizations can ensure that millennials without children feel included and empowered within Jewish life. This approach will not only deepen individual connections to Jewish identity but also contribute to the creation of a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive Jewish community—one that reflects the full range of life stages and experiences of its members.
