INTRODUCTION

A core part of Jewish values is the belief that we are all connected, and it is our responsibility to look out for one another and the world around us. The sense of connection and engagement, shared values, and identity is a core element of our Jewish community and the focus of this report.

Recent years have brought about change to the fabric of American society as a whole and have affected the Jewish community as an integral part of that society. This report is based on a study conducted in 2019 and 2021 by the Ruderman Family Foundation and the Mellman Group. The report explores the trends and changes in identity, perception, and engagement of American Jews, spotlighting long- and short-term events taking place in the Jewish community and across the United States.

Our report reviews multiple facets of the current experience of American Jews and suggests, among others, that a large portion of the Jewish population currently is not engaged in Jewish organizations, nor has strong aspirations to be. Those who are engaged express the need for organizations to become more open, inclusive, and adaptive to the needs and ambitions of the people they are working with. While Israel is an important part of Jewish identity, concerns about an emphasis on Israel and Israeli politics can be an obstacle to involvement. Community organizations and institutions will need to look at ways to get beyond these tensions and show their work to adapt and keep in touch in order to deal with the many challenges ahead.

Jay Ruderman

President and Chair of the Board

Ruderman Family Foundation