Assimilation is defined as the “act of becoming part of something :the process of becoming part of or more like something greater.” And religious assimilation is defined as “the passive or active inclusion of persons or aspects of another religion as members or elements within a particular faith or belief system.” In my own words I would say assimilation is something that happens when you surround yourself with people that are different than you. Eventually you pick up on their habits and beliefs and before you know it you are part of that group that was different. So when questioning whether assimilation threatens Judaism or religion ? The answer would definitely be yes. I believe that assimilation impacts everyone regardless of what religion you practice. Our surroundings have a direct impact on who and what we believe in our lives today.
Many believe that the Jewish assimilation began with their immigration to America after the Holocaust. Since this time the conservative Jews have criticized their own for forgetting the traditional customs of their religion while embracing the western culture. After arriving to America many Jews began to assimilate by speaking, eating, dressing and acting differently than their ancestors. Today the more frowned upon assimilation is when a Jewish individual enters into a relationship with someone who does not share the same religious beliefs, or when they abandoned their religion to follow another religion.
Another religious group that has been directly affected by assimilation in America is the native tribes. When the Europeans started moving into North America they demanded that the natives assimilate to their culture. They were forced to send their children to schools where they learned to speak English, study standard subjects and attend church. Because of this many natives started to forget their tribal traditions and eventually converted to Christianity.
Even in my own religious beliefs assimilation has taken...