Like all populations, the Jewish community in New York is in a constant state of change. And there are compelling questions that must be addressed continually in order to respond to these changes: What are the strengths and needs today of the largest and most diverse Jewish population in North America? Where are we growing, and where are we in decline? How has the recent economic situation affected the Jewish community? In the era of iPods and Facebook, are we seeing generational or across-the-board shifts in how people connect Jewishly? Every 10 years, UJA-Federation commissions a study to answer these and similar questions, and to inform planning and action by UJA-Federation and others in Jewish life.

A Groundbreaking Study

The Jewish Community Study of New York: 2011 is the largest Jewish community study ever conducted outside of Israel, with a telephone survey of 6,000 Jewish households, including a large sample of cell phones. The information gathered will help community leaders target services, strengthen Jewish connections, identify and address changing needs, and develop resources.

Current Status

As of July 2011, we finished fielding the survey and we are pleased to report that we exceeded our goal of 6,000 completed interviews. We are now working hard to analyze the data and compile the findings in a series of reports. Reports on the study’s findings will become available in 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is This Study?
The New York Jewish Community Study is conducted every decade. It's an invaluable tool for measuring the emerging service needs and demographic trends within our community. Answers are completely confidential and anonymous, and phone numbers are never given by the survey company to the study sponsor or any organization. Survey responses provide the data needed to guide community decisions over the next decade. Respondents help the New York Jewish community provide services to people of all backgrounds and ensure a strong, vibrant Jewish community.

Why Are You Doing This Study?
The census asks many questions, but it does not ask about religious background or identity. This information is important for planning programs that are funded by the Jewish community for Jews and non-Jews.

The study seeks to provide information about the Jewish community for use in planning and action by UJA-Federation of New York and others in Jewish life. The study should help community leaders strengthen Jewish connections, target services, and identify and address changing needs.

What Kind of Data Is the Study Collecting?
The survey is collecting demographic data on Jewish households in New York, including the number of Jews in New York, where they are living, and their family configurations. In addition, the study examines Jewish identity, Jewish education, organizational affiliation, ritual practice, health and human-service needs, and aging.

Who Is Conducting the Study?
The study is funded by UJA-Federation of New York, which provides services to Jewish and non-Jewish individuals and families in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. UJA Federation has engaged Jewish Policy and Action Research (JPAR) to conduct the study. JPAR is a strategic alliance between Ukeles Associates, Inc., and Social Science Research Solutions, and together they have worked on 21 Jewish community studies across the United States. Professor Steven M. Cohen is JPAR’s research team director.

How Will it Be Used?
The survey is an invaluable tool for measuring emerging service needs, opportunities for Jewish engagement, and demographic trends within the Jewish community. The data collected from the study will be used to help inform the community's decisions over the next decade and plan for its service needs. Reports on the study’s findings — including a comprehensive report, a geographic profile of the New York Jewish community, and other special reports — will become available in 2012.

Who Have You Interviewed?
The survey interviewed more than 6,000 Jewish households in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. People of all ages (18 and older), all backgrounds, and all religious affiliations were interviewed. By using random digit dialing to both land lines and cell phones, we were able to reach diverse segments of the community to get a balanced picture of the Jewish population. We also asked respondents in non-Jewish households just a few questions to help us measure what percentage of the community is Jewish.

When Will the Findings Be Released?
We expect to release the data set and reports by late spring 2012. Like other large and complex studies of this kind, it takes months to process and analyze the data before reports can be written. We are working as quickly as possible to share the findings of our study with the community. We thank you for your patience.