Announcing the Results of the Jewish Community Study of New York

UJA-Federation of New York announced today the findings of the Jewish Community Study of New York: 2011. With 5,993 interviews, it is the largest such study ever conducted in North America, and reached the largest cell phone sample ever in a Jewish community study.

Every decade, UJA-Federation conducts a comprehensive survey to examine the composition of the largest Jewish community in North America. We seek to understand important changes taking place within our community in terms of demography, identity, and socioeconomic issues. While many months — even years — will be needed to fully understand the core findings and their implications, we invite you to read them in depth.

Key findings reveal:

• Growth — There are more Jews in the New York area today: 1.54 million in 2011, up from 1.41 million in 2002. In New York City, the Jewish population is back to more than 1 million. In a change from the past, this growth is not the result of immigration but the increase in the number of people on both ends of the age spectrum — children and seniors.

• Poverty — There are more than half a million Jews living in poor or near-poor households, a significant increase in the last 10 years.

• Diversity — Our community is incredibly diverse. There are large numbers of Orthodox Jews and Russian-speaking Jews, as well as other significant segments that include Israelis, Syrians, and, counted for the first time, biracial, Hispanic, and nonwhite Jewish households, and LGBT Jewish households.

This landmark study provides the essential data so UJA-Federation, beneficiary agencies, and other organizations can determine how to best respond to the challenges and opportunities that come with growth and diversity, and plan for the future of Jewish New York. The next stage will require your involvement and that of everyone who shares our great pride in belonging to the largest Jewish community in North America — a vibrant and dynamic community that is ours to shape.

Read the Jewish Community Study of New York: 2011, click here.