The Hidden Yidden

by Audrey Lichter

This was the term used  by my new friends at B’nai Harim Synagogue in Pocono Pines Pennsylvania to describe the Jewish people in the Pocono Mountains  who do not identify with the Jewish communities scattered throughout the region. They work hard to find them, and invite them to participate.

It is an extraordinary experience to visit remote communities where individuals can travel an hour or more to attend Jewish services, celebrate holidays or just be together. These mountain Jews work hard to keep Jewish life alive, and bemoan the reality that there are not an insignificant number who choose not to affiliate. I have much admiration for these communities as it affirms my conviction that it is individuals like these folks in each generation that have propelled Judaism forward throughout the thousands of years of our existence as a Jewish people. Their passion and commitment to keep Jewish life alive was truly inspirational. The juxtaposition was indeed startling as we traveled from the Poconos to Manhattan where our hotel overlooked the iconic and extraordinarily beautiful Moorish-style Central Synagogue, and where within a mile one can find ten or more Jewish congregations of all denominations.

The reality is that hidden Yidden are everywhere – and maybe especially in large Jewish communities.

Sometimes I feel that we who live in vibrant active Jewish communities with ample opportunities for cultural, religious, and intellectual Jewish life at our doorsteps need to take a trip to the Poconos or other remote regions every once in a while to recharge our Jewish batteries. The reality is that hidden Yidden are everywhere – and maybe especially in large Jewish communities.

We can make the effort to reach out and welcome our Jewish neighbors. If our friends in the Poconos can do it, surely we can too.