I find this discussion fascinating. I notice not too many non-Christian religions speaking up, so even though I already said something, I will open up my big mouth. Most American Jews are not religious or observant. I would say that I'm religious, but not observant. My temple is consiously independent, i.e. is not formally associated with one of the 3 major branches of Judaism. This is a financial burden, but we like it this way. No one can tell us how to think! Our rabbi, who has been with the congregation 30 years, started as a lay leader. he was a psychologist first, and then at great personal expense, commuted to NYC to go to school and become ordained. What I like about Judaism is that a congregation doesn't need a rabbi to be a congregation.
I was raised totally unreligiously, in a predominantly Jewish suburb. I learned what I could from my friends and my boyfriend's family in particular. I always joke that my family likes to think they came over on the Mayflower... I got more religiously active when I moved to a place where I was more of a minority. When it came time to raise my kids, we decided that we would not be hypocrites, so instead of just sending the kids to a JCC preschool, we became active there and more observant. It was wonderful and it continued through their school years. They both had Bar Mitzvahs and went through to confirmation in 10th grade. I know it's "in there." My son in the Marines has put up with a lot of crap for his religion, but he gives it right back. He goes to services pretty frequently and I am proud of him for this. My other son has a serious girlfriend who isn't Jewish and is introducing her to aspects of the religion. It's interesting to see how he is dealing with this.
Well, just my .02. I don't want to change my religion, but right now I'd rather be on my bike than at services or volunteering.