As an academic institution, Jewish studies is caught between the conflicting priorities of an objective academic focus and at the same time a positive reference to Judaism in the face of a massive rise in anti-Semitism and a growing urgency to position itself in an "identitarian" way. Jewish communities, but also the political and social public, expect clear stances and often statements. The paper sheds light on this, but also on the current situation of Judaism in Europe. All statistics point to a decline in the Jewish population in the coming decades from around 1.4 to 1.2 million people (2050). At the same time, the Haredi/ultra-Orthodox Jewish orientation is the only movement worldwide, and therefore also in Europe, that is ensuring a growth in the Jewish population. In their attitudes, these groups often counter a so-called "Western" model of society. This poses new challenges. How can and should Jewish Studies respond to these developments?