2016 Base Report A New Model of Jewish Engagement: The Impact of Base Hillel Table of Contents

A New Model of Jewish Engagement 2

Findings 1. Gateways to Participation 5 2. Atmosphere 6 3. Assessing Impact 9 4. Professional Staff 13 5. Diversity 14

Research Context Questions and Methods 22 Emerging Questions for Further Research 22 What is Base? 23 Base Team 24 A New Model of Jewish Engagement couples induct those less familiar with Jewish ritual and tradition in a way that feels unforced, In Winter 2015, Base Hillel—a new model less formally educational, and more “natural.” of Jewish engagement for students and their friends—commissioned a project evaluation Here is a review of the key findings in Base’s by Professor Steven M. Cohen and Dr. Arielle pilot year: Levites. The early findings capture the first few short months of Base’s operation in • Over 1,400 people have attended a Base City. program in the pilot year.1 • Participants respond very favorably to two Researcher’s Summary key ingredients of Base: Young rabbinic families in their own homes, features which Base has developed a formula for reaching create an experience participants see as a highly sought-after population for Jewish both warm and authentically Jewish. engagement: young, unmarried, socially- • Base participants report overwhelmingly liberal . It does so in large part by positive images of Base, describing it as: appealing to the sensibilities and interests welcoming, accepting, and open-minded of this demographic. • Base primarily attracts three key constituencies for Jewish engagement: Base provides participants with a warm, joyful young adults in late-twenties, never place to share and married, politically liberal Participant Interview with other like-minded people. Base celebrates • Base participants report diverse Jewish I attended a Shabbat dinner and the Megillah Jewish tradition while valuing inclusiveness, backgrounds: 27% attended day school while reading. At both events I learned a good deal cosmopolitanism, and pluralism. The presence 21% had no formal at all. about the Jewish tradition, and met people of Jewishly knowledgeable rabbinic couples that were interesting. I am most impressed by adds a much valued sense of authenticity While preliminary, the data thus far are highly Base’s . . . focus on relationships and people and depth. That these rabbinic couples are encouraging. Base appeals to and attracts a rather than buildings, committees, or rules. young, approachable, and welcome others into much-sought-after demographic. Participants I think this is what our temples and churches their own cozy homes provides an experience have been overwhelmingly positive in their as- often forget. that is both culturally rich, as well as informal sessment of Base. It is fair to say they are effu- and intimate. This is in sharp contrast to other sive in their reports of their Base experiences. Jewish settings, which are often seen as This goodwill that Base staff have generated cold and institutional. Base is an accessible points to participants continuing, and perhaps form of small-batch, artisanal , de- even deepening, their relationship with Base. signed for a Millennial aesthetic that eschews the mass-produced and overly-ceremonial. Looking ahead there is real promise for Base to address a pressing concern in Jewish com- Base has been successful in attracting and inte- munal life: reaching unengaged young adults grating a diverse group of young Jews. In doing and fostering their connection to Jewish life, so they have created an ideal blend of both meaning, and community. Base is a key experi- highly-socialized and culturally informed Jews, ment on this front, with the promise of making and those newer to Jewish practice, with fewer important inroads with this demographic as it formal Jewish educational and communal expe- both expands and matures as an organization. riences. This diversity creates an atmosphere of novelty and freshness which participants find — Steven M. Cohen and Arielle Levites, 2016 stimulating. Perhaps more importantly, this mix of participants with a variety of Jewish back- 1 Beyond the pilot year, over 1,800 unique individuals have grounds and experiences helps the rabbinic attended a program.

2016 Base Report 1. Gateways to Participation The Biggest Draws to Base are Shabbat & Holidays, Social Events, and Personal Connections

A. Types of Participation B. Reasons for Participation Shabbat meals are the most widely reported Nearly half of participants cited invitations from form of participation, followed by attending friends as the reason for coming to Base. Almost a social event and attending a Jewish holiday as many cited Shabbat and holiday celebrations. experience. These major gateways to Base participation feed into other activities, such as Which one or two of these reasons for why you went Jewish learning and small group discussions. to Base were most important?

My friend/s invited me In which of the following Base activities have you 38% participated at any point? 8%

69% 55% 53% I wanted to celebrate Shabbat and/or Jewish holidays 13% Attended a Went to a Attended a 24% Shabbat meal social event Jewish holiday experience Participant Interview I am involved with a group that partnered with Base I believe that Base is very important for my 11% 10% fiancé and me as we continue to learn about 45% 45% 41% where Judaism and Catholicism fit in both of Jewish Participated A program A Base professional took a personal interest in me learning in a small group co-sponsored our lives. It has given us a safe haven free 11% discussion by Base and 8% from judgment where we can follow through on another group our community service ambitions. We are able to meet and talk to similar couples in the I wanted to meet other Jewish people my age 7% safety of Avram’s home which is full of warmth. 29% 28% 23% 16% Met with Took part in a Heard a a or service activity guest speaker I wanted to learn about Jewish ideas partner 6% one-on-one 9%

A family member invited me Researcher’s Commentary 3% 1% The activity patterns signal the intertwining of the social I wanted to help others through service/volunteer work 3% with the Jewishly meaningful . . . 4% Base offers the advantage of offering a home environment, I wanted to experience a Jewish ritual or practice 3% including a married couple with 8% young children. For largely I was looking for advice or guidance unmarried young adults, such an 2% environment may hold special 3% appeal and instructive meaning. 1st choice 2nd choice

2016 Base Report 5 2. Atmosphere Base offers a warm and joyful atmosphere. Participants feel comfortable being themselves without fear of judgment.

A. Positive Feelings B. Positive Images Nearly two-thirds of respondents report that Given a variety of positive and negative images, Base connects them to Jewish meaning. almost all respondents endorsed the positive Almost all met people who they felt were very images and almost all rejected the negative im- different from them and made friends at Base. ages. Through repeated encounters with Base, And, almost all totally reject the ideas that its professionals, and Base participants, people they feel uncomfortable inviting their friends develop and strengthen their warm feelings or that diversity of viewpoints isn’t tolerated. toward Base.

To what extent do you agree with each of the Images of Base following statements?

Unwelcoming 4% To a great Somewhat Not at all Welcoming* 95% extent

Base has a Contrived 3% Participant Interview warm joyful % % % Authentic* 90% atmosphere 95 5 0 I made a new friend outside of Base who invited me and I liked it so much that I attend Thin & shallow 6% At Base I feel Rich & deep* 85% on my own. I’ve brought many friends to comfortable experience Base. being myself % % % without fear 85 14 1 Boring 4% of judgment Stimulating* 89%

Base connects Not too Jewish* 39% me to Jewish Too Jewish 15% meaning 64% 29% 7% and spirituality Innovative* 81% I met people Conventional 6% who are very different % % % 41 50 8 Open-minded* 93% from me Narrow-minded 3%

I have made friends at Base 31% 52% 17% Accepting* 95% Judgemental 4% I feel uncomfortable * Positive Image Index inviting my 10% 10% 80% friends to Base

There’s not much room for a variety of viewpoints 4% 8% 88% at Base

* Red = Good Feelings Index

2016 Base Report 7 3. Assessing Impact Base participants report changes in Jewish practice, learning, and perspectives, with reports more frequent the more they participate.

A. Wide Testimony of Impact Judaism, Shabbat, and the Jewish calendar When asked about their Base experiences, in in their lives. Over two-thirds credited a Base addition to reiterating the image of Base as rabbi or spouse with giving them support or welcoming, respondents also widely affirmed advice on personal issues, and almost as many that the Base couple models a relationship claimed they made a change in their lives and/ from which they can learn. Accordingly, or in their Jewish practice because of some- they widely attributed impact in several ways, thing they learned at Base. Over a third have among them: seeing the importance of “hung out” with someone they met at Base.

To what extent do you agree with the following?

I felt uncomfortable when someone seemed to pass A Base rabbi or rabbi’s partner provided me with support judgment on me or my lifestyle or advice on personal issues** 2% 34% 7% 35% 90% 31%

I made a change in my Jewish practice because of I began to see Shabbat as an important part of my week** something I learned or heard at Base ** 37% 19% 45% 42% 18% 39%

At Base I saw that Judaism could play an important role I made a change in my life because of something I in my life learned or heard at Base** 67% 19% 26% 47% 6% 34%

The Base couple models a relationship I can learn from ** At Base I was able to express my commitment to 70% community service. 28% 2% 29% 40% 32% Base is a welcoming space for all kinds of Jewish people 92% I became more aware of the Jewish calendar in my life ** 8% 0% 33% Participant Interview 42% Base was literally a one of a kind experience. 26% Not at all Somewhat To a great extent I have participated in many Jewish programs and classes, but Base tops them all. Apart from ** Change index the learning process, the participants in the group were what made it so great. Everyone had something authentic to say or to express in terms of their thoughts or opinions about a topic. I seriously felt I was in a group of wise men and women.2016 Base It Report was a thought provoking experience. 9 B. More Activity = More Impact Those who have increased participation at Researcher’s Commentary Base have a strong association with even Methodologically, retrospective more positive images, express more positive reports of change attributed to one feelings, and testify to a greater breadth and or another reason must be viewed extent of change in their Jewish engagement. with some skepticism. Neverthe- less, these results certainly testify Positive Images of Base by Base Activity Count (Open-minded, accepting, not too Jewish, to widely held appreciation of stimulating, rich & deep, innovative, authentic) Base, and a valuable asset for rec- ommending the Base to others and High 49% recruiting even more active Base 24% 20% participants in the future.

Moderate 36% 44% 45%

Low 15% 33% 35%

activity count activity count activity count

Change Index by Base Activity Count (Got personal advice, saw Judaism could play import- ant role, saw Shabbat important, Jewish calendar, change in my life, change in Jewish practice.)

High 56% 31% 13%

Moderate 27% 42% 37%

Participant Interview Low Base has provided me an outlet to not only 17% 28% learn and grow my Jewish identity, but under 50% the guidance of [Rabbi] Avram, [Rabbi] Jon, Yael, and Faith, I have been able to work activity count activity count activity count through the issues of my secular life as well. I had never truly known what it was like to be a part of a community until I became associated with Base. I am now closer with my family, and more connected to myself on a spiritual level. It truly is a community for 2016 Base Report all types of Jews. 11 4. Professional Staff Base and Educators are seen as friends, leaders, organizers, and role models, for whom there is widespread appreciation.

Perceived Role of Professionals Participants see the Base professionals as a Researcher’s Commentary “friend” more than any other role. Other some- The four religiously committed and what frequently mentioned characterizations observant personalities that stand are “spiritual leader,” “community organizer,” at the center of the Base experi- and “role model.” ment have managed to transcend

Which of the following roles best describes how you the social distance for formal think of [best-known professional]? deference that are frequently asso- Participant Interview ciated with rabbis, rabbis’ spouses I’m attracted to Base because Avram and Yael Friend draw from a deep well of tradition, 24% and, indeed, clergy generally. exposing me to a version of Judaism that is They have established personal simultaneously foreign and familiar. The impor- Spiritual Leader relationships, yet at the same tance of niggunim and singing also resonate 15% time serving in effect as inspiring with my upbringing, and I think Avram and Yael both realize music’s power to engage people Community Organizer teachers, be it directly—such as in like me coming from different backgrounds of 14% text-centered classes or the Jewish literacy. Avram and Yael are youthful, Shabbat table—or more indirectly, which is why I can relate to them, yet they’re Role Model 13% by modeling an attractive Jewish also spiritually insightful and are raising a fami- life style in a family setting. ly grounded in Jewish values and joy, which is why I feel I can learn so much from them as Host Participants appreciated the pres- 9% I carve my own path. ence of a rabbi or other learned person who could lend structure Religious Leader 8% and authenticity to conversations, and without the gulf of generation Mentor or authoritarianism. 6%

Facilitator 5%

Teacher 4%

Confidant 3%

2016 Base Report 13 5. Diversity Base features demographic diversity across Jewish background, engagement, affiliation, parentage, and social makeup.

A. Jewish Centrality and Socialization B. Jewish Identification and Engagement Among the participants who are Jewish, over One-fifth attend religious services weekly, two-thirds see being Jewish as very important almost a third see themselves as Orthodox or in their lives and almost as many have mostly Conservative, and almost half go to Shabbat Jewish close friends. But, at the same time, over meals at friends’ homes “many times.” Almost a third have mostly non-Jewish close friends. half attend for the High Holidays or less often. Three-in-eight identify with How important is being Jewish in your life? no Jewish religious denomination, and this year half went to Shabbat meals just a few times or less. Perhaps most notably, of those married Very Important 71% or partnered, almost a quarter report non- Jewish spouses/partners. In addition, fully 7% Somewhat Important 20% of the participants are non-Jewish. Base partic- ipants derive from a wide diversity in denomi- Participant Interview Not too important 5% national upbringing, as roughly equal numbers Base is a perfect place to meet people from say they were raised Orthodox, Conservative, a variety of backgrounds and hear their stories. Not at all important 4% Reform, and all other possibilities. Among them, Every week I meet someone I never thought as many as 11% were not raised Jewish. I would meet. All in the context of a welcoming and open Judaism. How many of your close friends are Jewish? Aside from special occasions like weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs, how often do you attend Jewish All of them % religious services at a synagogue, temple, or 9 havurah?

Most of them % 55 Once a week or more 21% Some of them 33% Once or twice a month 32% Hardly any of them 4% A few times a year, such as for high holidays 28% None of them 0% Seldom 11% = 64% most or all Never 8% = 47% High Holidays or less often

Participant Interview It was lovely there!! I feel it is important to mention somewhere that I myself am not Jewish but was welcomed so very warmly. 2016 Base Report 15 C. Participation Across the Jewish Spectrum In which of the following Jewish religious denominations were you raised. Which, if any, do you consider yourself now? Across Jewish engagement types, we find sim- ilar levels of participation in Base activities. In Orthodox 26% 13% other words, more Jewishly engaged individuals are no more likely to participate in Base activi- ties than those least engaged in Jewish life. Conservative 23% 17%

Base Activity Count Index* by Jewish engagement Reform 21% 14% Jewish engagement index** Number of Reconstructionist 2% 1% Base activities types* Low Moderate High Chabad 0% 0% Many types 23% 31% 26% Post-denominational 0% 10% Some types 39% 41% 35% Just Jewish 9% 26% Few types 38% 28% 39% Participant Interview Other Jewish 3% 6% The Base is a great place to go if you are either Total very involved with Judaism or not, whether 100% 100% 100% Not Jewish 11% 7% you have doubts about Judaism or not. The *Shabbat, holidays, service activity, learning, meeting rabbi and partner, at least Avram and Yael, with rabbis or spouses, small group discussion, speaker, Not sure % % are extremely understanding and welcoming 4 5 partner group program **Importance of being Jewish, Jewish friends, attends of all people, no matter whether you agree or services, Shabbat meals disagree. This is a space, whether that be for In the past 12 months, how often, if at all, have you: LGBTQI people or people who are not Jewish (there are many interreligious couples that Many A few Once or Never Researcher’s Commentary come), people converting, people of color, and times times twice The pattern of equal participation just generally different standpoints… across the Jewish identity Attended a Shabbat meal spectrum contrasts sharply with at someone 49% 33% 16% 3% else’s home? the typical pattern found on campuses, where both Hillel Invited friends and Chabad tend to experience to a Shabbat meal at your 22% 21% 23% 33% higher levels of participation home? among those with higher levels of initial Jewish engagement Does your (spouse/partner) consider him/herself Jewish and socialization. or partly Jewish, or not Jewish?

Jewish 72%

Partly Jewish 6%

Not Jewish 23%

2016 Base Report 17 D. One-Fifth with No Jewish Parents F. Former activists and absentees Mirroring the diversity in current levels of Since many Base participants in New York are Jewish engagement, we also find considerable graduate students and their friends, we see diversity in Base participants’ upbringing. diversity, as well, in participants’ Jewish campus Significantly, as many as 12% report that neither experience as undergraduates — divided be- of their parents is Jewish, dividing almost evenly tween activists and absentees. For Hillel, about between non-Jews and converts to Judaism. as many said they went many times as who said they participated just one or twice or not at all. Number of parents who consider(ed) themselves Jewish: At college, attendance at programs sponsored by Hillel, Chabad and others 0 12% Many A few Once Never times times or twice 1 8% Hillel 25% 44% 18% 13% Participant Interview 2 80% There is no question that Jon and Faith have created a home away from home for a large Chabad 44% 18% 22% 16% cross-section of Brooklyn Jews. It is no accident E. Day School or No School As for Jewish schooling, while 27% reported Another that the vast majority of Base regulars are not campus Jewish % % % % native to Brooklyn (I am an exception). They having a day school education, almost as many group 48 19 17 17 reported no Jewish schooling whatsoever. provide a model for what many of us fear no The number reporting having gone to summer longer exists in the modern world: traditional camp is 60%, much like the NY area as a whole. G. High Levels of Travel religious commitment combined with liberal The only feature of Base participants’ Jewish values and a classically fulfilling domestic life background with relatively little diversity combined with professional success. Being in Main source of Jewish schooling received until age 13: emerges with respect to travel to Israel — a their home is a breath of fresh air every week. noteworthy distinction. Most have visited Day School 27% three times or more, and over 90% have been Hebrew or religious to Israel – a level of contact that far exceeds school 47% the general profile among young Jewish adults in the New York area. Other 5% Number of times you’ve been to Israel: None 21% 3 times or more % Attended an overnight summer camp with Jewish 54 content: 60% Twice 18% Researcher’s Commentary Once The overall picture emerging is 19% one in which those who were Participant Interview: Never 9% highly socialized in Jewish life in Base is a place where I can go to experience = 91% ever , values, and ideals in an their younger years participate open, comfortable environment. It allows me in Base activities alongside those to interact with people who are different from with much weaker Jewish familial myself. It’s outreach without the pressure of and educational connections. attendance. It is Judaism on your terms which makes people want to grow and move along at their own pace. Overall a wonderful institution 2016 Base Report that inspires Jewishness to all who attend. 19 H. Demographics Gender Women slightly out-number men. Most are in their late 20s, almost three-quarters are neither Female 55% married nor cohabiting, and over two-thirds— far more than the average among American Male % Jews—define themselves as politically liberal. 43

Other % Age 2

12–24 23% I. Picture of Diverse Upbringing A remarkable mix is well-illustrated by the pres- 25–29 ence of 27% who graduated Jewish day schools, 51% and the combination of non-Jews, converts and Jewish children of 1 Jewish parent (19% in all). 30–34 16% Participant Interview A typology of diversity in Jewish upbringing: Base has been a great addition to my Jewish 35 or older 10% life. My partner is more religious than me, and Day school graduate 27% through Base I have a found a way to connect Marital status with some of the Jewish traditions I did not Jewish child of 2 Jewish parents* 54% before (i.e. Shabbat). I love that Base is open and welcoming and does not discriminate against Married 16% Jewish child of 1 Jewish parent* % LBGT or treat women differently than men. 7 These are concerns I have had with my heritage Living with a partner 11% Convert to being Jewish* in previous experiences. My partner and I plan 3% to stay members at Base for a long time. Divorced, separated, widowed % 1 Non-Jewish 9% Never been married 71% Total 100% *Amongst respondents reporting no day school attendance. Political views

Researcher’s Commentary Very conservative 0% As prior research informs us, Conservative young adults (20s and 30s), the 5% non-married, and politically liberal Moderate 21% are each associated with lower levels of Jewish engagement, Liberal 46% however measured. The presence of so many Base participants who Very Liberal 24% share these three characteristics suggests a remarkable and Not Sure 4% distinctive achievement in provid- = 70% liberal ing an environment that engages them in Jewish life.

2016 Base Report 21 Research Context Emerging Questions for Further Research: Background: What is Base? Base’s vision is that of a rooted, Jewish cosmo- Sustainability, Scale, and Outcomes politan who enjoys a life: Questions and Methods In August of 2015, Hillel International’s Office A few questions and opportunities emerge for of Innovation launched Base Hillel in New 1. Enmeshed in a thick Jewish social network Steven and Arielle conducted their research on further research in Base’s second year. York City. With the support of UJA-Federation 2. Guided in part by a Jewish mentor (an a number of fronts, including: of NY, two Bases opened their doors: Base approachable and admirable role model) • How can Base encourage more friendships BKLYN in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and 3. Infused with a love of the study of 1. Interviews with stakeholders, profession- amongst participants that can progress Base DWTN, located near Union Square in 4. Sanctified by the Jewish calendar als, and partner organizations and develop outside of Base events? Some . 5. Enhanced by deep encounters with Jewish 2. Interviews with Base participants, both in Base participants (36%) have “hung out diversity the fall of 2015 and spring of 2016 with someone you met at Base outside of a Base is the home of a pluralistically-minded 6. Aspiring to service over consumption as a 3. Observation of Base events and programs Base event,” but most have not — pointing rabbinic family who opens their doors to guiding ethos 4. A Survey of Base’s Customer Relationship to a main objective for Base professionals students and their friends. Base supports local Management (CRM) list of participants and heading into the second year of operation. communities by forging partnerships with others. neighborhood organizations. The primary 5. This yielded a high response rate of 321 • Currently Base staff are the engine for all activities of a Base can be divided into three respondents. After eliminating non-partici- events, activities, and relationships. Can categories: Shabbat and Holiday Hospitality, pants from the survey, N=301. participants share in responsibilities? Learning, and Community Service. If so, in what ways? Primary areas of interest Shabbat and Holidays • To what extent is Base meeting its own Each Base hosts meals for Shabbat and Jewish • How does Base function? What education- goal of catalyzing Jewish life beyond the holidays. Everyone is welcome at a table al methods does it employ? Base community? Do partner organizations enlivened by song, late-night conversations, • How is Base viewed by participants? How believe Base is supporting and strengthen- shared ritual, and joyous encounters. Base is Base received? ing their work? draws on the tradition of Jewish home life as • Who comes? How diverse are they? In an educational, community-building space what ways? • Since its launch in New York City, Base to make every young Jew feel at home with • Why do they come? has expanded to Chicago, to a “Powered Judaism and the Jewish people. by Base” model in Washington, DC, and To see the full survey questionnaire visit to a “Pop-Up Base” model in Berlin. New Learning bit.ly/BaseSurveyQuestionnaire. Bases are set to open their doors in Los Each Base is home to a rabbi and their Angeles and Miami in 2017. Does the Base spouse or partner. Our rabbis are pluralistic model work “out of town”? How will the men and women who are passionate about new Bases fare? Will the same operating working with emerging adults. Rabbis study principles apply? Jewish texts one on one, in small groups, and in informal conversations. These leaders • Base relies on the energy, creativity, and welcome young Jews into a life animated commitment of its exceptionally talented by ideas, ritual, and family. staff. As the organization becomes larger and more formalized will its retain its sense Service to the Community of inventiveness and excitement? Will staff Each Base is a hub of service activity. Some burn out? cook meals for the homeless. Others regularly visit the sick. We seek to inspire young Jews • As Base moves beyond its pilot year, what to see Judaism as service to the community participant outcomes might we expect to beyond themselves. see?

2016 Base Report 23 Base Team Aliza Dzik Senior Design Fellow Faith Leener Hillel International’s Office of Innovation Base Co-Founder and Senior Educator Systems Savant, Unabashed Belter, of Base BKLYN Handstand Master Relentless Optimist, Philosophical Toast Giver, To-do list Maker Generous Support has come from UJA Jon Leener Federation of New York Base Co-Founder and Senior Rabbi of Base BKLYN Beatles Maniac, Unapologetic Dreamer, Sportaholic

Avram Mlotek Base Co-Founder and Senior Rabbi of Base DWTN Yiddish Troubadour, Ping Pong Extraordinaire, Spiritual Activist

Yael Kornfeld Base Co-Founder and Senior Educator of Base DWTN Soul Singer, Messy Chef, Lover of Snail-mail

Dan Smokler Chief Innovation Officer, Hillel International Serial Schemer, Teacher of Torah, Fitness Freak

Dr. Tamara Tweel Director of Strategic Development, Hillel International’s Office of Innovation Devout Teacher, Arbiter of Cold Borscht, Klutz

Erica Frankel Managing Director Hillel International’s Office of Innovation Performance Artist, Wordsmith, Quiet Revolutionary

2016 Base Report “A wonderfully innovative and much needed resource for young Jews in their 20s and 30s. Needs to be replicated in every major city.”

“Love this place so much. What an amazing organization with a great mission. Base has been amazing for me and I love going!”

“Possibly the best thing to happen to the Jewish people.”

—Participant Interviews

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