What we’re learning on campus can help the Jewish community create more innovative, engaging organizations for Jews of all ages. “The task of our communal organizations is not to harness a pre-existing Jewish identity but rather to reacquaint young Jews with the blessings of being Jewish each and every day … whether they come from a rigorous Jewish day school background or have no connection to their Jewish heritage.... Not only is Rabbi Uram doing that work, but he is showing us all how to do it as well.” —from the Preface by Eric Fingerhut This is an essential resource for lay leaders, organization professionals, rabbis, cantors and anyone who wants to build a brighter Jewish future for all Jews and the organizations that support them. Rabbi Mike Uram, executive director of one of the most innovative Hillels in North America, inspires us with a vision of a new kind of leadership that, rather than focusing on serving institutions, is about reinvigorating Judaism and building stronger communities. He empowers us with models and methodologies that have been tested on college campuses and in Hillels across the country, outlining innovative and effective ways to connect with Jewish millennials, both inside and outside organizations. “ Next Generation Judaism is a must-read for all who care about ensuring a strong, vibrant Jewish future. Rabbi Mike Uram, a long-time leader in the Hillel movement, has been at the forefront of helping today’s young adults find meaning in Jewish life. Now he has taken insights from the Hillel experience and created a 21st century roadmap for meeting millennial Jews where they are and connecting them with each other, with Jewish values and with the global Jewish people.”― Lynn Schusterman, founder and co-chair, Schusterman Foundation “A savvy and thoughtful guide to revitalizing our institutions and inspiring your Jews.” ―Rabbi David Wolpe, author, David: The Divided Heart “Rabbi Mike Uram is one of the first thought leaders focused on the glass half full versus half empty relating to the Jewish community. His idea of focusing on building Jewish identity head of community affiliation is spot on. Meeting our young adults where they are and doing so with inventiveness and creativity is why Penn Hillel has set a new standard. Optimism abounds with thoughtful ideas. A must read for any Jewish leader interested in Jewish innovation for the future.” ―Jerry Silverman, President and CEO, Jewish Federations of North America “Presented as a practical guide for engaging millennial Jews, this book challenges all of us to think differently about the Jewish future. At a time when so many despair about the next generation, Mike Uram offers bold and inspiring ideas that are proven to work―if we are wise enough to listen.” ―Jane Eisner, editor-in-chief, Forward “Rabbi Mike Uram has emerged as perhaps the single best contemporary Hillel director. While personally modest, he has developed a depth and complexity of understanding of “millennials” that is nothing short of wondrous. His idea of disruptive innovation is but one of many he has successfully employed both at his Hillel and in this book that are truly admirable.” ―Michael Steinhardt, Philanthropist and co-founder of Birthright Israel “Mike Uram brilliantly studies principles that have informed the Hillel movement in the last generation and applies core principles to the broader communal world. It is done with an effort to recast our community, looking to a future of vitality and meaning.” ―Richard M. Joel, President of Yeshiva University and Former President of Hillel International “Refreshingly insightful and modest, Rabbi Michael Uram draws on his experiences at Penn Hillel as well as his vast knowledge of Jewish texts, organizational literature, and the American Jewish community to provide critical lessons in Next Generation Judaism for Jewish leaders and organizations as they seek to speak to the current generation of Millennial Jews. He places the old wine of Judaism into new vessels and explains how existing Jewish organizations can renew themselves for next generation. This is a uniquely optimistic and inspiring book – one that practitioners and scholars alike must read!” ―Rabbi David Ellenson, Director of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University and Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion “ Next Generation Judaism is the must-read essential playbook for building a more vibrant, more engaged Jewish future. Mike Uram offers up all of the keys for expansive, dynamic Jewish life--one that will, if we’re smart enough to heed his wisdom, absolutely transform our communities and our lives in necessary, needed ways.” ―Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author, Nurture the Wow and Surprised by God “I was nodding in agreement and internally cheering reading Next Generation Judaism . We know Jewish organizations need to change but Mike Uram offers clear, practical and proven guidance on ho