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 travelling program educating multiple generations through music and drama, and an edgy, intelligent salon and journal—these are the case studies for Cohen and Kelman’s investigation of a new breed of creative, (largely) de-institutionalised Jewish initiatives being run by and for young adults.

What is happening to the Jewish identities of single non-Orthodox American Jews in the 25-39 age range? Research and conventional wisdom suggests that they are largely unaffiliated and uninvolved. In this report, Cohen and Kelman analyze existing data and identify some interesting trends – notably that the demographic is far less indifferent than many think, and is more than open to high quality, engaging Jewish experiences and activities.

Crossing racial and ethnic lines, this 2004 survey of 1,400 18-25 year old American Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Jews explored the content and context of Generation Y’s informal, eclectic and pluralist approach to religious identity and practice.

A Reboot-conducted qualitative study of 18-25 year-old (Generation Y) American Jews that builds on data gathered earlier by the organisation and published in its report “OMG!” Reboot has a particular interest in those unlikely to participate in organized Jewish life, and this research sheds important light on those within that category.

This project compiled data from sources including the 2001 National Jewish Population Survey and AJC’s annual Surveys of American Jewish Opinion in order to characterize the distinct identity profile and behaviour of 15-29 year old American Jews and to consider policy implications. Access with a free subscription to the North American Jewish Data Bank.

A qualitative study of 18-35 year olds with connections to the Reform Movement, this 2004-2005 initiative was designed to produce policy-relevant insights into the outlook and needs of a key future constituency.

In early 2007, nearly 20,000 15-30 year-old citizens of EU member states were interviewed regarding their outlook towards Europe, levels of political and civic engagement and view of future economic prospects. The study found young Europeans to be enthusiastic about increased opportunities for travel, study and work, moderately engaged in political issues and somewhat concerned about achieving economic independence.

A Jewish space, a space for Jews, or one that just happens to attract them? This 2006 article from The Forward explores the reasons behind the success of a bohemian Budapest café and cultural spot.

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 wants 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. And yes, they support a magazine called Guilt and Pleasure.

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.

Disrespectful, derisive, cheeky and profane, Heeb Magazine challenges almost every convention in Jewish life, yet its language, humour, and cultural edginess have seen it become the iconic representation of today’s young adult American Jews.

A usually irreverent, sometimes intellectual, but always challenging website established by a group of British Jewish young adults. Jewdas also runs events, and is one young adult initiative that appears to have captured the attention of the demographic in Britain.