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

Almost half (46 percent) of parents agree that, between temple membership, summer camp,
and day school, being a member of the Jewish community is expensive; 31 percent of parents
say they have been prevented from enrolling their children in Jewish education programs
because of financial concerns. Among those who say that financial concerns have played a role
in decisions about their children’s Jewish education, 36 percent are still interested in providing
their children with a formal Jewish education
Financial concerns, however, are clearly not the only driver of children not getting a formal
Jewish education. In fact, among those who agree that being Jewish is expensive, 41 percent
are already providing their children with a formal Jewish education.
Figure 70: Many Who Think Involvement is too Expensive Still Provide Jewish
Education, Divided on Cost
Now, please tell me whether you agree or disagree with each of the following statement. Sometimes it just seems so expensive
to be part of the Jewish community, with the cost of synagogue memberships, summer camp, and day school for the kids.
(Percent total agree)
100
80
60
Are you currently providing your children with a formal
Jewish education (IF NO) How interested are you in
providing your children with a Jewish education **
100
80
60
Have financial concerns ever prevented you from
enrolling your children in Day School, Sunday School,
Hebrew School, a Jewish pre-school, a Jewish
summer camp, or another program that would provide
your children with a formal Jewish education**
Among those who agree that it is expensive to be part of the Jewish Community
40
20
0
41
35
21
21
12
Already providing Interested Not Interested
40
20
0
53
42
5
Yes No Don’t Know
**Question asked only of parents
73