Rural Jews - Today's Jewish Pioneers

Jews of Choice, Mitzvah and Unconventional Times

Jun 22, 2009

A large number of Jews find their homes in rural settings in North America, away from the demands, expectations and material advantages of large metropolitan centers.

Many people associate Jewish communities with city life. Traditional kosher lifestyle and the desire to be close to synagogues for Shabbat and High Holy Day services and community support has prompted most North American Jews to live in the city. In fact, city living has become such a pervasive part of Jewish culture that it is often mistaken as a requisite to maintaining one’s Jewish ties.

Major Jewish Communities Founded by Pioneers

It wasn’t that long ago that Jews were trailblazers carving out a home in the rural U.S. and Canada.

Many North American Jewish communities were founded in the 19th century by Jewish pioneers who were determined to start new lives in rural areas. Jewish communities in cities like Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colorado owe their beginnings to enterprising and daring pioneers who were willing to break away from their traditional Jewish Orthodox, Conservative and Reform communities and forge new homes in unpopulated areas.

The best example of this is the British Columbia and Alaska gold rush movements, in which Jews set up businesses miners’ camps and towns. Many of these pioneers went on to establish synagogues and Jewish communities on the West Coast.

Contemporary Rural Jewish Communities

Today, Jewish migration continues and is particularly evident in Western United States, where many Jews have relocated from the city to rural areas. Areas like Oregon’s South Coast are dotted with small communities that have come together as a result of chance and fortunate acquaintance over the past 40 years.

Most Jews living in rural areas don’t go to synagogue every Shabbat, much less every day, as might be the tradition in the city. But they still observe Shabbat, still bless the candles on holidays and still spend the High Holy Days at synagogue.

Jews of Choice and Commitment

Stuart Matlins, who helped to found the small Jewish community of Woodstock, Vermont, pointed out in an interview on New Hampshire Public Radio in 2003, that to be a rural Jew, is to be a Jew by choice. It takes the desire — and the determination — to stay connected to one’s Jewish roots in a small community.

It also takes the willingness to embark on a journey of self discovery, sometimes without the supportive environment of a synagogue or Jewish community center.

For one person this might mean deciding that the correct way to observe Shabbos would be to celebrate it at home instead of driving 50 miles to synagogue; for another it might seem more appropriate to attend services, despite the need to drive on Shabbat (which is discouraged in Orthodox communities).

And it takes the fortitude to decide for oneself, what makes one a Jew. For one family, tzedakah – the act of giving to charity – confirms their Jewish connections; for another it might be reading the Torah at home on Shabbat and holidays.

Why People Participate as Rural Jews

People come together for Shabbat services and for praying for a variety of reasons. For some, it is a mitzvah (a commandment) that they follow religiously. For others, it is a way of keeping in touch with their roots. For others still, it is for social reasons. For many, all three of these reasons play an important part in this decision.

The result of this melding of interests and backgrounds is an environment where traditions often must stay flexible. In one small congregation of 20 to 75 people, there may be a blend of Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and Renewal backgrounds. Services may accommodate both Eastern European (Ashkenazi) and Spanish or Middle Eastern (Sephardic) traditions. And just like many large city congregations, it usually comprises people who can read Hebrew, and those who only know how to read the transliteration; people who have practiced Judaism for years, and others who are just starting out.

Living and practicing one’s faith in a small Jewish community is an affirmation of open-mindedness, but it is also a demonstration of the dynamic nature of the Jewish religion and the traditions that are often molded to shape the growth and dreams of a changing people.

Readers may also enjoy reviewing North America's 350 Years of Jewish History at: 350th.org/history/timeline.

The copyright of the article Rural Jews - Today's Jewish Pioneers in Jewish Practices is owned by Jan Lee. Permission to republish Rural Jews - Today's Jewish Pioneers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.