This past summer I was invited by the RCA to join a panel at their annual convention aimed at addressing the challenge of engaging Millennials in Orthodox shuls.  Two weeks ago, I was invited by the Orthodox Union to join a group of school, shul, and youth leaders in a conversation about the religious state of our yeshiva high school graduates. 

To be sure, the news isn't all bad.  In fact, it's mostly good.  Our community as a whole, in distinct contrast to some of the other American denominations, is vibrant and growing.  If there was a line, though, that ran through both conversations, it is a distinct feeling that there is a "language barrier" of sorts emerging between our communal institutions and leadership on the one hand, and a growing sector of our young adult population on the other.  These young adults aren't "off the derech."  Quite the contrary - many are desperately seeking a sense of meaning and belonging particularly once they leave the comfortable confines of their college campus community.  

In an essay published on thelehrhaus.com, entitled "Postmodern Orthodoxy: Giving Voice to a New Generation," I argue that the recently translated writings of Rav Shagar offer important insight both into the mindset of this critical demographic and into the approach necessary for reaching them "ba-asher hem sham." 

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