CHAPTER 20 COUNSELING JEWISH AMERICANS

1. CHAPTER 20COUNSELING JEWISH AMERICANS

2. Jewish Americans  • Jewish Americans have long been the targets of discrimination and hate crimes • Anti-semitism is on the rise in Israel • The Jewish population in the U.S. is the largest in the world • Many Jewish people immigrated from Russia, Austria-Hungary and Romania between 1880-1942 • Of the Jews outside the U.S., most are from the former Soviet Union • The Jewish population is falling rapidly due to low fertility and “marrying out” • Most do not follow all religious traditions, but celebrate holidays such as Yom Kippur, Hanukah, and Passover

3. Experiences with Prejudice and Discrimination • The Holocaust killed over 6 million Jews and left many people poor, displaced, and without families • Jewish hate crimes are on the rise • May Jewish people fought for civil rights for people of color in the 1960’s • Holocaust deniers are individuals who do not acknowledge or who question the existence of the genocide that occurred during the Holocaust • Some Jews experience guilt for not practicing traditional Jewish customs • For many, a Jewish identity centers around a common experience and history

4. Judaism • The belief in one omnipotent God who created humankind—one of the earliest monotheistic religions • Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement is a time set aside to atone for sins during the past year • The synagogue is a place of worship • There are many forms of Judaism ranging from more conservative (e.g. Orthodox) to progressive

5. Implications • As a counselor, it is important to be aware of the Jewish identity as well as experiences of discrimination and harassment • Many organizations still do not acknowledge Jewish holidays in the same way as Christian holidays • Become aware of your own biases and assumptions about Jewish people