A succinct summary of Steven M. Cohen’s extensive research into the Jewish identities of young adult American Jews, and the potentially significant new trend among some within this demographic to create innovative and entrepreneurial Jewish initiatives.

A brief think-piece on recent efforts to associate Jews and Judaism with “cool”—from marketing efforts by Jewish communal organizations to the attempts of acculturated, suburban-bred young Jews to claim a distinct—and distinctive—cultural identity.

Silicon Valley executive Judy Estrin argues that the increasingly rapid pace of change has led businesses and government to focus only on short-term goals, thus generating an innovation deficit. She discusses strategies for maintaining accountability while continuing to nurture creativity, including the importance of creating an organizational culture that learns from failure.

This short scholarly article looks at three key features of the iconoclastic, non-institutional Jewish subculture currently thriving in several major American cities: the attraction of wholly-acculturated young Jews to non-mainstream cultural expression; the influence of new models of connection and communication; and the embrace of an “open source” approach to Jewishness.

The president of one of America’s largest Jewish family foundations acknowledges the barriers to organizational innovation but argues that traditional Jewish institutions will only remain relevant if they are willing to embrace change and cross boundaries.

An engaging description and analysis of the “New Jew” phenomenon in the United States – young adults who are redefining what it means to be Jewish by creating a diverse range of innovative programmes and initiatives.

Think of it as Glastonbury-meets-Gemorah (Talmud). This brief Jewish Chronicle article explores a hugely popular UK project marrying Limmud’s eclectic and participatory approach to Jewish learning with camping, music and mud. Available through a free search in the JC’s archive.

A Jewish space, a space for Jews, or one that just happens to attract them? This article from The Forward explores the reasons behind the success of a bohemian Budapest café and cultural spot.

Part of Synagogue 3000’s multifaceted efforts to revitalize American synagogue life, Tobin Belzer and Donald E. Miller’s 20007 report investigates how a small number of congregations are successfully responding to the distinct spiritual and communal needs of young adults. Their report also formed part of a larger project, “Congregations that Get It”, which looked at young adult engagement in Protestant, Catholic, Muslim and Jewish faith communities.

In 2007, Steven M. Cohen and J. Shawn Landres surveyed nearly 1900 young American Jews participating in independent minyanim or prayer groups. Their report investigates the unique demography, style and structure of these “emergent sacred communities” and their appeal to an equally distinct cohort: Jewishly educated and networked 20 and 30-somethings in search of community and spirituality.

New York may be totally unique, Jewishly and otherwise, but this 2005 qualitative study sheds light on why episodic Jewish cultural events are attracting young Jews without formal community ties.

A counter-cultural yet traditional synagogue, a record label, a multigenerational program educating through music and drama, and an edgy, intelligent salon and journal provide the case studies for Cohen and Kelman’s investigation of new, (largely) de-institutionalised forms of Jewish activity and creativity.

During its four-plus years of existence, the Joshua Venture provided support and start-up funds for a cohort of entrepreneurially-minded young American Jews. While the program was ultimately wound up, many of the projects founded by its Fellows—including Heeb and JDub—are thriving models of innovation.

Audio and written proceedings of a conference bringing together the leaders of independent prayer groups, community professionals and academics to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by these spiritual communities to the structure of American Jewish life.

Defining itself as an “Incubator for New Jewish Ideas”, Bikkurim provides professional support and operating space for start-up Jewish organizations, helping them to become self-sufficient while also developing community amongst young Jewish social entrepreneurs. Current and past residents include Canfei Nesharim, a group focused on environmental education within the Orthodox community and JDub, which records, promotes and stages new Jewish music.

Describing itself as a network rather than an organisation, PresenTense seeks to inspire and equip creatively-minded young Jews to think and to act in ways which will further Jewish community worldwide. Its cornerstone event is a Jerusalem summer institute for social entrepreneurs.

Cultural producer, conversation-convener and engaged observer, Reboot seeks to support Generation X and Y’s search for Jewish identity, community and meaning and to demonstrate that there is substance behind young Jewish iconoclasm.

ROI—the business shorthand for “return on investment”—supports innovation and young Jewish innovators through an annual global summit and an active virtual community. ROI is a partnership of Taglit-Birthright Israel, the Center for Leadership Initiatives and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation.

Highlighting the work of fifty innovative Jewish organizations and projects annually, Slingshot aims to bring attention and resources to the work of young Jewish entrepreneurs from across North America.