Reconsidering the Size and Characteristics of the American Jewish Population

Publication Date: January 2007

Publisher: Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life; Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies

Author(s): Benjamin Phillips; Elizabeth Tighe; Leonard Saxe; Charles Kadushin

Research Area:

Keywords: Population Estimate; Demography; Religious Denominations

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

SSRI's newly released study "Reconsidering the Size and Characteristics of the American Jewish Population" finds the Jewish community in the United States is not only larger than previously believed, but more diverse as well. Over six million Americans currently identify as Jewish or are children of Jewish parents, almost 20% larger than earlier assessments. Researchers also discovered that the U.S. Jewish population includes a higher number of non-Orthodox individuals than indicated by past demographic studies. The study points to the need to reconsider our views of American Jewry and the need for greater investment in the community.