Bubbles, Seekers, and Servers: A Metaphor Analysis of Jewish Identity Construction

Abstract Quantitative studies of contemporary Jewry have primarily focused on Jewish identity, examining the categories that differentiate Jewish self-conceptions, and their implications for belief, behavior, and belonging. In contrast, qualitative studies have deepened this understanding by exploring the process of identity construction. However, significant gaps remain in our knowledge about how identity is understood, particularly regarding how young people perceive agency and self-awareness when reflecting on their identity-related choices. Metaphor analysis offers insights into conceptual frameworks shaping attitudes and behaviors. This method is especially well suited for examining young people’s beliefs about identity construction and the ways these beliefs are expressed. In our study of young Australian Jews, participants used rich metaphors to describe their Jewish identities. Three dominant metaphors—the bubble, the seeker, and the server—capture participants’ Jewish identity, shaped by upbringing, milestones, and communal ties. By illuminating these metaphors, metaphor analysis enhances our understanding of the lived experience of identity construction. It offers a novel lens for studying how young Jews conceptualize their developing sense of self within a Jewish context.