ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the structure of contemporary British Jewry as a background to discussing three related issues, namely, the place of British Jewry within the host society, relationships with and attitudes towards Israel and American Jewry, and the issues and challenges which will confront British Jewry. In the foregoing analysis, the general organizing principle will be to consider established, organized aspects of British Jewry alongside grassroots experiences and attitudes. The demographic trends within British Jewry are those common to all European Community members and, indeed, are not confined to Jewish communities. The central focal point of British Jewish communal activity is the synagogue, be it Orthodox or Progressive, large or small. Institutionally, British Jewry has full panoply of educational, welfare, charity, and representative bodies at both national and local levels. The chapter also focuses on four areas of continuing change which will affect the character of British Jewry: synagogue affiliation, geographical dispersion, organizational structure, and personal alienation.
