Jewish Identity and Volunteerism: Motivational Drivers in a Small North Carolina Temple

Renee Just

doi:10.3844/jssp.2021.78.88

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine Jewish identity and its impact on volunteerism and driving motivation in a small reform Temple in North Carolina. This study assessed the Jewish identity of members of the Temple and their motivation to volunteer within this congregation. Following from the research on identity and volunteerism, the primary focus was the extent to which the congregants embrace a Jewish identity and the level to which they perceive that volunteering at the synagogue is an expression of that identity. A mixed-methods design was crafted with the initial data collection obtained through a quantitative survey: The American Jewish Identity Scales (AJIS). Qualitative data were then collected through one audio-recorded, semi-structured focus group consisting of 7 volunteers. While the quantitative results showed that identity did not appear to be the driving factor for volunteering, the qualitative summary uncovered other identity-based motivations to volunteer. These motivations stemmed from one’s own family as well as the perception of the Temple as an extension of family.

Highlights

The religious composition of the city includes more than 149 churches, one mosque and one temple
To furtherunderstand the Jewish identity as it relates to volunteerism, questions asked during the focus group were: 1. What motivates you to volunteer at Temple? 2
The decline in the number of volunteers is universal and is not limited to North Carolina or to this Temple, which is supported by the literature

Summary

Introduction

The religious composition of the city includes more than 149 churches, one mosque and one temple (synagogue). The Temple offers its members opportunities to form meaningful connections with traditions and people by providing religious and cultural education and activities. These events are intended to encourage members to deepen their connections to the Temple and to support the city’s Jewish population in addition to the broader community. Each of the activities and events require volunteers and volunteerism is a core belief of this Temple and the Union for Reform Judaism, which notes: “We believe that all human beings are created in the image of God and that we are God’s partners in improving the world. Tikkun olam-repairing the world-is a hallmark of Reform Judaism as we strive to bring peace, freedom and justice to all people” (urj.org)

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Conclusion