On May 23-24, 2011 in New York, JOI will convene Judaism2030: A Working Conference for a Vibrant Jewish Future. This cutting-edge conference will bring together Jewish communal professionals and volunteer leaders to chart a course for a more inclusive and welcoming Jewish community—both now and in the future.

Integral to every session throughout the conference is how we address engaging interfaith households and other populations traditionally marginalized by the organized Jewish community, including GLBT Jews, multiracial Jews, and unaffiliated Jews.

There are now more intermarried than in-married Jewish households (because an in-marriage requires two Jews and intermarriage only one Jew), which means children of intermarriage are a growing population. In addition, only about 35% of Jewish households are affiliated with synagogues at any given time, according to the 2001 National Jewish Population Survey. Within reach there are literally thousands of individuals and families that have the potential to participate in Jewish life and strengthen our community.

But we have to understand current trends—both in and out of the Jewish community—and then create the strategies necessary to ensure all those who wish to be part of the Jewish community feel welcome and valued. Through the four broad themes of the conference—spirituality, belonging, globalism, and peoplehood—we will grapple with issues that impact both individual and communal relationships to Judaism, such as how people relate to the Jewish community and what are the characteristics that make up the Jewish people. Understanding the past and present, understanding the needs of the various populations that stand underneath our Big Tent will help us determine the steps necessary to realize our optimistic vision of a vibrant Jewish future.

We are grateful for the guidance of the dedicated members of the conference steering committee who have helped us develop an outstanding two-day forum. We invite you to Register Now for the Judaism2030 Conference to be part of this unique opportunity to strategize and develop specific action plans that will help us grow the Jewish community of tomorrow!