When the Heart is Stilled: Adolescent Jewish Lives Interrupted by COVID-19

ABSTRACT

This study explored the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Jewish lives of teenagers in Jewish schools in the UK. We found that young people have been thrown back on the resources they locate under their own roofs. For some, it has resulted in a thin version of Jewish life and a sense of disappointment. For others, the Jewish resources at home have been sufficient. While, generally, the tempo of their public Jewish lives has been disrupted, the Jewish rhythm of their lives at home have continued, if more muted than usual.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• family
• identity
• Jewish teenagers
• key Jewish moments

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

¹ In England, Secondary school starts at age 11 and goes through to the end of formal schooling at age 18.

² Figures obtained with thanks from UJIA, January 2022.

Additional information

Funding

This research study was funded by the Pears Foundation and the Wohl Legacy Foundation.