The Distancing of the Jewish Community from its Institutions: The Case of Jewish Schools

Publication Date: January 1995

Publisher: Conference of Jewish Communal Service (U.S.)

Author(s): Uzi Rebhun

Research Area: Culture and religion; Education

Keywords: American Jews; Jewish education; Residential mobility

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This article explores the linkage between the Jewish community's increased geographic dispersion and its usage of community institutions, namely Jewish schools. Using data from Boston and San Francisco, the study found that a disproportionately large number of day schools are located in the older areas of settlement while fewer are found in the suburban rings that are favored by families with young children. In contrast, the geographical distribution of supplementary schools closely resembles the residential distribution of school-aged children. The spatial distance between home and day schools may be an intervening obstacle in the parental decision to send children to day schools.