It's not that people don't read about the Holocaust or Israel, but neither of these retains its prior centrality. The Holocaust is far removed from American realities, as is for that matter Israel and its unique blend of challenges and opportunities. 

My own view is that the emphasis upon saving the world stems from the bankruptcy of American Jewish life. There is no strong message about belief or Jewish imperatives. Ruth made reference to the law being central. Who talks about the law any more, let alone God? So redemption now comes from activities to save the world. And this, I hasten to add, can be seen across the denominational spectrum. There are Orthodox rabbis who tout tikkun olam as the highest priority. In a study that I conducted, one young Reform rabbi stated: "I don't care whether you keep the Sabbath, I don't care whether you keep the dietary laws, I don't care whether you inter-marry, but if you do not engage in tikkun olam then you are a bad Jew."

That says it all. I'm not averse to Jews being concerned about their neighbours, let alone the downtrodden of the world. But I don't think that's where the battle for Jewish hearts and minds lies, for the simple reason that Jews have a long history of engaging in such causes, and giving generously to non-sectarian efforts. Research on American Jews has shown for decades that across the spectrum Jews give more money to causes outside the Jewish community than inside. It's the proportions that I'm concerned about, and the proportions are diverting more and more away from concern about Jewish life. 

DJ: I was wondering about "inreach". Isn't this one of your phrases, as opposed to outreach?

JW: Yes. Inreach and outreach have different connotations. Where should Jewish resources be invested? Should we try to run after every single Jew who may or may not be interested in Jewish life? Or should we try to build as strong a core as possible because that core will serve as a magnet drawing more people into Jewish life? In my previous remarks, I was raising the question of how to balance concern with needs outside the Jewish community with internal Jewish causes. I've met Jews who've told me, "My Jewish contribution is that I clean up the lakes and rivers of America." Now I have nothing against environmentalism. Jewish texts and Jewish understanding make clear the responsibility that God has given human beings to be custodians of this world. But that's very different from saying, "Environmental consciousness is all I must contribute in order  to be a good Jew." 

One other point: I don't pretend to be an authority on Israeli life, but from everything that I have read there is a consensus in Israel, and the consensus is not defensive. Unfortunately some of the most vocal Israelis, those who draw the most attention, break with the consensus. So readers abroad will trot out articles that appear in Ha'aretz, which grandiosely presents itself as the Israeli New York Times to draw conclusion about what Israelis think. Ha'aretz has a minuscule circulation; it's success stems from its attractiveness to academics and from its editors' foresight in producing  a very fine English language website. People assume that radical positions espoused in its op-ed pieces reflect Israeli thinking. Fortunately, the Israeli public is more balanced and also more realistic in its views. So, no, I don't think Israelis are defensive. There was a consensus in Israel — a strong consensus — about the Gaza incursion and if Hamas continues with its mischief, there again will be consensus on stopping the rockets and mortars fired from Gaza, a level of bellicosity no country in the world would tolerate.