CCJ Founding President Rabbi Gary P. Zola Calls for a New Generation of Rabbis to Fight for the Continuation of Jewish Life in America

CINCINNATI, OHIO—July 9, 2026: In a powerful new Op-Ed published today in eJewish Philanthropy, CCJ Founding President Rabbi Dr. Gary P. Zola issued a call to America's Jewish community to purposefully engage in the cultivation of a new generation of rabbis to galvanize Jewish life throughout the country.

Rabbi Zola says that America's current critical shortage of rabbis comes at a time when the technological era has eroded the local community ties that once anchored the Jewish community. New studies show that American Jews are feeling more isolated while coping with growing antisemitism, loneliness, and ongoing political uncertainty in the post October 7 world. These forces can threaten the vigor of Jewish life —particularly in communities without rabbis.

"Rabbinic leadership begins with a willingness to meet people where they are," writes Rabbi Zola, who relates the story of being a student rabbi in Williamson, West Virginia decades ago where he learned that important lesson. "Only then – once a relationship is forged – can a rabbi build a community grounded in Jewish learning and living. The bond of a spiritual community speaks to a foundational human instinct."

According to newly published literature, participation in a faith community reduces feelings of loneliness and alienation through social contact, shared activities, and networks of support.

In the piece, Rabbi Zola asserted that, "To sustain connection amid algorithmic isolation and platonic AI companionship, it is our generation’s sacred duty to raise up a new generation of rabbis with the gumption and the courage to fight for the continuation of Jewish life in North America."

Click HERE to read Rabbi Zola's Op-Ed in its entirety.