East Bay Jewish Community Study - Jewish Federation of the ...

Consistent with observed patterns elsewhere in the country, residents in the East Bay place
Jewish values and culture over observance and faith. Jewish residents are significantly more
likely to say that values such as helping others in need (77 percent very important) and Tikkun
Olam (70 percent very important) are very important to being Jewish rather than observance of
Jewish law, such as keeping Kosher or observing the Sabbath (6 percent very important).
Learning about culture and history (58 percent very important), supporting the state of Israel,
and celebrating holidays (40 percent very important and 37 percent very important, respectively)
also take precedence over adhering to Jewish law.
Spending time with other Jews is not terribly important for East Bay Jewish residents. One-fifth
says that spending time with other Jews is a very important part of Judaism, fewer than the
percentage of people who say that celebrating Jewish art, music, and film is very important.
Figure 31: What Jews Think is Important
Now I'm going to read you a list of things that some people think are important to being Jewish. For each one, please tell
me how important to being Jewish each one is to you personally. (Ranked by percent who say Very Important)
Helping others in need
The Jewish value of "Tikkun Olam"
Learning about Jewish history and culture
The Jewish value of Tzedakah
Having faith in God
Support for the state of Israel
Making sure children receive some sort of Jewish
Celebrating Jewish holidays
Jewish art, music, film, and theater
Making sure your grandchildren are raised as
Spending time with other Jewish people
Traveling to Israel
Marrying someone who is Jewish
Following Jewish law, such as keeping Kosher or
Very Important
43
40
39
37
30
24
20
19
13 34
6 22
Somewhat Important
77
94
70 88
58
88
55
82
63
71
74
70
70
49
62
48
0 20 40 60 80 100
33