[SweetPilotofCanuckistan]

So, if you're not orthodox, you won't stay Jewish? What a crock...

[Ancesthntr]

"So, if you're not orthodox, you won't stay Jewish? What a crock..."

Here's another version of that study that APRPEH linked to, with a more readable chart:
http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/WillYourGrandchildrenBeJews.htm

The simple mathematics of having a significantly lower assimilation rate, combined with larger families, makes it far more likely (bordering on certainty) that several generations hence your grandkids or great-grandkids will, if you aren't orthodox, not be Jewish. Conversely, if you are orthodox, the chances are far greater that your descendants will be Jewish. There are NO certainties here, only the mathematics of population growth or decay.

Note that the study in question places a great emphasis on Jewish education - without it, growing up orthodox will mean far less (in terms of assimilation). I would think that a non-orthodox person who had their kids rigorously schooled in Judaism - even of the non-orthodox variety - would similarly have a high chance of having Jewish descendants.

BTW, I write this as someone who grew up Conservative, but with a decided lack of emphasis in his household about doing Jewish things and attending services, let alone Jewish schooling. I am now tending toward a more traditional lifestyle, but I have a LONG way to go. I have no particular ax to grind, except that I'd like to see there be as many Jews as possible in the future.

[ChicagoHebrew]

A few years ago, Temple Emanuel in New York celebrated its bicentennial, and invited descendants of its original founding members to the synagouge. They couldn't find a single one who was still a practicing Jew.

What do you call a third-generation Reform Jew? An Episcipalian.

[RobRoy]

Actually, it is possible that if you are orthodox, you may become Christian.

If you want to know the future of Judaism, you only need look to the seventieth week of Daniel, Ezekiel and the book of Revelation.