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

Older and younger Jews also use a different vernacular. Younger Jews feel strongly that it is
important to help others in need (82 percent say this is very important), while Tzedakah, even
though it is conceptually similar, does not garner as strong of a reaction (50 percent very
important). This may simply reflect lack of familiarity with Hebrew terms, which is not surprising
given the level of interfaith marriages among their parents. There is less of a difference among
older Jewish residents.
Faith in God is also very important to younger Jews (60 percent very important), far and away
the highest of any age group in the East Bay Jewish community. Again, this may reflect the fact
that many of them have parents who are not Jewish.
Figure 79: Jewish Identity in Young People
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 age 18-39 who say ‘Very Important’)
Helping others in need
The Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, or making the world a
better place
Learning about Jewish history and culture
Having faith in God
The Jewish value of Tzedakah, or good works and charity
Support for the state of Israel
Celebrating Jewish holidays
Making sure children receive some sort of Jewish education
Jewish art, music, film and theater
Making sure your grandchildren are raised as Jews,
regardless of whether you have grandchildren now or not
Traveling to Israel
Spending time with other Jewish people
Marrying someone who is Jewish, regardless of whether you
are married now or not
Following Jewish law, such as keeping Kosher or not
working on the Sabbath
5
5
7
22
21
21
21
24
18
20
23
33
34
33
38
42
37
41
46
50
49
Age 18-39 Age 65+
60
60
68
70
67
82
77
0 20 40 60 80 100
84