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

Feelings about the Jewish
Community in the East Bay
Relatively small numbers express discomfort or dissatisfaction with the Jewish community of the
East Bay. Jewish LGBTQ residents, residents with non-Jewish spouses and less
knowledgeable Jews report that they feel welcome and comfortable or they simply do not know
because they are not engaged with the community. Some express concerns about cost, though
affordability does not seem to dissuade participation among those who desire it. Rather, the
larger issue is simple disinterest in Jewish life or an interest in pursuing community with other
Jews in settings that are not religious or Jewish in content.
Specifically:
• Few residents express dissatisfaction with the organized Jewish community
(approximately 20 percent). A majority (66 percent) say they are comfortable attending
events put on by the East Jewish community, and most (73 percent) say they are not
uncomfortable because they are unfamiliar with faith and tradition.
• A majority of people in interfaith partnerships say that they feel comfortable bringing non-
Jewish partners to events, and a majority of parents say that the community offers good
opportunities for their children. A plurality say the community welcomes LGBTQ people,
however, a significant number of residents are uncertain about how welcoming the
organized Jewish community is of the LGBTQ community.
• Fifty-six percent of LGBTQ Jews say the community is welcoming to them, though
another forty-one percent do not know. Only 3 percent disagree.
• The bigger challenge for Jewish institutions is that many Jewish residents are simply
uninterested in pursuing a Jewish life or Jewish education for their children.
• Cost is an issue for some; however, there is no difference in the involvement level
among residents who cite cost issues versus those who do not. Cost is a higher
concern among residents with children.
• There is an interest in expanding the offerings to include events and activities that bring
together Jews, but not necessarily with a Jewish theme or religious focus. That said,
few say they are uncomfortable attending events in Jewish spaces.
Overall, Jewish residents hold positive views about the East Bay Jewish community. Most
residents feel comfortable attending Jewish events sponsored by organizations in the
community (66 percent agree), and agree that the community is welcoming to non-Jewish
spouses (57 percent agree), and to the LGBTQ community (47 percent agree). They also think
the community does a good job providing opportunities to do Jewish-themed activities with
children (52 percent). Few say they feel uncomfortable bringing a non-Jewish spouse to events
or that they feel that they do not know enough about Jewish faith and traditions.
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