AbstractsSociology

This thesis is the culmination of an eight-month investigation into Jewish young adult engagement in the Boston Jewish community. I looked at the history of American Jewish identity, and the relevant literature specific to Jewish identity and Jewish Millennials. I identified four different organizations in Boston currently providing Shabbat engagement opportunities to this demographic. I spent time attending Shabbat programs, as well as speaking with program professionals and program participants. This is a qualitative study; through my many conversations I hope to identify what makes a Friday evening Shabbat program successful in reaching and engaging the Millennial generation. In this thesis I will share the outcome of my interviews, and provide recommendations for an organization looking to build a strong young adult Shabbat engagement program. Based on my research, there are several important factors that contribute to a successful engagement program, including special attention to program space, clearly defined program objectives and outcome measurements, and a community organizing approach to engagement and empowerment.