Westchester Congregations Study

Publication Date: March 2004

Publisher: Maurice and Marilyn Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies

Author(s): Amy L. Sales

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Synagogues; Jewish identification; Communal Organization

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This study was initiated and sponsored by UJA-Federation of New York through the Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal (CoJIR) and its Synagogues for the Future initiative. The primary purpose of the study was to learn about the Jewish identities and connections of synagogue members. Results are based on the responses of 1,300 individuals, randomly selected from the membership lists of 16 congregations. Results indicated that Synagogue members most powerfully experience their Judaism at home and less so in the Jewish community and its institutions. Respondents expressed the greatest satisfaction with their home observances, somewhat less satisfaction with their involvement in synagogue life, and the least satisfaction with their participation in the wider Jewish community.