East Bay Jewish Community Study - Jewish Federation of the ...
East Bay Jewish Community Study - Jewish Federation of the ...
East Bay Jewish Community Study - Jewish Federation of the ...
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<strong>Jewish</strong> Identity and Practice in <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>East</strong> <strong>Bay</strong><br />
In <strong>the</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Bay</strong>, <strong>Jewish</strong> residents both have a strong sense <strong>of</strong> pride about being <strong>Jewish</strong> and a<br />
sense <strong>of</strong> belonging. They are also deeply attached to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Jewish</strong> values <strong>of</strong> Tikkun Olam and<br />
Tzedakah. At <strong>the</strong> same time, Judaism is enacted largely through celebration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> holidays at<br />
home than observance <strong>of</strong> <strong>Jewish</strong> law, attending religious services or informal <strong>Jewish</strong>-<strong>the</strong>med<br />
events or spiritual activity. In o<strong>the</strong>r words, Judaism is quite individualistic and family based for<br />
many <strong>Jewish</strong> residents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>East</strong> <strong>Bay</strong>. Few think that spending time with o<strong>the</strong>r Jews is a very<br />
important part <strong>of</strong> being <strong>Jewish</strong>.<br />
Specifically:<br />
• <strong>Jewish</strong> residents demonstrate a strong sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>Jewish</strong> identity and belonging — 72<br />
percent say that being <strong>Jewish</strong> is very or somewhat important to <strong>the</strong>m personally; 66<br />
percent strongly or somewhat agree that <strong>the</strong>y have a strong sense <strong>of</strong> belonging to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Jewish</strong> people.<br />
• <strong>Jewish</strong> identity is defined more by values, culture, and holidays than by observance <strong>of</strong><br />
rituals or religious laws. Helping people in need (77 percent very important) is deemed<br />
<strong>the</strong> most important aspect <strong>of</strong> being <strong>Jewish</strong>, while following <strong>Jewish</strong> law (e.g., keeping<br />
Kosher) is at <strong>the</strong> bottom <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> list (6 percent very important).<br />
• While many think it is important for <strong>the</strong>ir kids to have a formal <strong>Jewish</strong> education (39<br />
percent very important), having a <strong>Jewish</strong> family is a lower priority. For example,<br />
marrying someone <strong>Jewish</strong> is among <strong>the</strong> lowest <strong>of</strong> priorities for <strong>Jewish</strong> residents (13<br />
percent very important).<br />
• Celebration <strong>of</strong> holidays at home (e.g., Passover and Chanukah) is far more common —<br />
half say <strong>the</strong>y light Chanukah candles or have a Passover Seder always or usually —<br />
than formal membership or religious observance (16 percent always or usually light<br />
candles on Friday and 15 percent keep kosher).<br />
• <strong>Jewish</strong> residents are more likely participate in informal home based activity such as<br />
celebrating <strong>the</strong> holidays than formal activity such as attending religious services or<br />
informal activities such as volunteering or attending a Chavurah.<br />
• Just 20 percent think that spending time with o<strong>the</strong>r Jews is very important to being<br />
<strong>Jewish</strong>.<br />
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