By: Winnie HU
Many synagogues and other Jewish groups have offered lucrative incentives in recent years to attract new members to their graying or shrinking communities around the nation. They are advertised in Jewish publications or through word of mouth. The bonuses have included partial payments on homes, discounted Yeshua tuition and repayment on student loans. However some scholars and synagogue members have questioned if this is ethical. But others believe that the money is simply a way to get people's attention and help those who could not afford to move on their own. The money comes with extensive interviewing process and the payments are spreadout over years and there is a contract requiring that the money be paid back if a family is not active in the synagogue or moves away early. This is an excellent example of cultural preservation in an ever globaliation world and economy. Cultures are still being pursued and maintained through programs like this offer to help families economically and help them practice and maintain their cultural identity as a family.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/19/nyregion/jewish-groups-across-us-paying-families-to-relocate.html?pagewanted=all
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