The 2001 Jewish Community Study of Bergen County and North Hudson. Summary Report

Transcription

1 The 2001 Jewish Community Study of Bergen County and North Hudson Summary Report UJA Federation of Bergen County & North Hudson Ira M. Sheskin, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Geography and Fellow in the Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies University of Miami June 2002 Sivan 5762

2 Demographic Study Committee Marc K. Schlussel, Chair Charles Berkowitz Angelica Berrie Russell Berrie Rabbi Bruce Block Rabbi Neal I. Borovitz Nancy I. Brown Barbara Bushell, Ph.D. Marc Byron Sheldon Chanales Rebecca Citron Dr. Leonard A. Cole Edward J. Dauber, Esq. Moshe Dworkin Lawrence Eisen Carl Epstein Bambi Epstein Howard Feinberg Warren H. Feldman Eva Lynn Gans Gayle Gerstein Rabbi Shmuel Goldin Nita Gottesman Steven Morey Greenberg, Esq. Dr. Wallace Greene Edward Grossmann Arthur Joseph Jeffrey Lampl Melinda Maidens Ron B. Meier, Ph.D. Mark Metzger Dr. Jerome Milch Susan B. Penn Yossi Prager Passi Rosen-Bayewitz Esther Schlanger Dr. Jim Schwartz Norman Seiden Errol Seltzer Daniel Straus Henry Taub Deborah Tuchman Rabbi Mordecai Weiss Edward J. Dauber, Esq. President UJA Federation of Bergen County & North Hudson Ron B. Meier, Ph.D. Executive Vice President Passi Rosen-Bayewitz Senior Associate Executive Vice President Alan P. Sweifach Director of Allocation and Grant Development -ii-

3 June 27, Sivan 5762 We are very pleased to provide you with this Executive Summary of the Jewish Community Study of Bergen County and North Hudson. This report will provide you with an excellent overview of our area s first-ever demographic study. It is the most comprehensive analysis ever done on our diverse and dynamic community. th As we enter our Federation 25 year, this data will be an invaluable source of information to help UJA Federation and other local Jewish institutions plan for the future. It will guide all of our short and long-term efforts to meet our population s ever-increasing needs. Through this study s findings, we have a better grasp of what makes our community unique, our strengths and weaknesses, and where we need to improve services. The generous funders who made this extraordinary project possible were Henry & Marilyn Taub, Mark & Beth Metzger, Norman & Barbara Seiden, and Russ & Angelica Berrie. We thank Marc Schlussel, chairman of the Demographic Study Committee, and all of the committee members for their tireless work to make this project a success. The committee worked closely with Dr. Ira M. Sheskin, Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Miami, to ensure that this study would benefit our entire community. We are grateful to our Immediate Past President, Edward J. Dauber, and former Executive Vice President, Dr. Ron B. Meier, for their vision and leadership in recognizing the need for this important study. We want to express our appreciation to Passi Rosen-Bayewitz, Senior Associate Executive Vice President, and Alan Sweifach, Director of Allocation and Grant Development, for their outstanding oversight of this entire project. Properly utilized, this Study will help us touch more Jewish lives and build stronger Jewish communities here in Bergen County and North Hudson, in Israel and around the world for many years to come. Sincerely, Dr. Leonard Cole President Howard E. Charish Executive Vice President

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5 Major Themes of This Study Bergen Is the Nineteenth Largest Jewish Community in the Country, but Has a Slowly Declining Jewish Population 78,000 persons live in 28,400 Jewish households in Bergen. Of the 78,000 persons, 92% (71,500 persons) are Jewish. The number of Jewish households decreased by 1,800 households since The percentage of households who have moved to Bergen in the past five years (13%) is low, and the percentage of households who definitely or probably plan to move out of Bergen in the next three years (10%) is relatively high. Planning should occur in an environment that assumes a continuing slow decline in the Jewish population. The strong attachments of many Jews to this area (discussed below) suggest that the current slow decline may not continue forever. The Geographic Distribution of the Jewish Population Has Not Changed Significantly Since 1994 The percentage of Jewish households living in each geographic area in Bergen has not changed significantly since 1994, with Pascack-Northern Valley showing a small increase in Jewish households and the other geographic areas showing small decreases. Thus, planning should occur in an environment that assumes no significant changes in the location of Jewish households. Many Jews in Bergen Have Significant Attachments to the New York Metropolitan Area 80% of persons in Jewish households in Bergen were born in New York or New Jersey. 56% of Jewish households have lived in Bergen for 20 or more years. 35% of households in which the respondent is age 50 or over have adult children who live independently in Bergen (60%, in the New York metropolitan area), implying the existence of many multi-generational families. 60% of Jewish respondents reported that they feel very much or somewhat a part of the Bergen Jewish community. But only 56% of adults in Jewish households who are employed full time or part time are employed in Bergen County (34% of employed adults are employed elsewhere in New Jersey and 10%, in New York). These results argue for a community-building strategy that recognizes that, while many Jews feel a significant attachment to the local Jewish community and its institutions, Bergen is just a small part of a much larger metropolitan area. There Are Large Numbers of Persons in All Age Groups, but the Percentage of Children Is Very High The 27% of persons age 0-17 in Jewish households in Bergen is the fourth highest of about 45 comparison Jewish communities. This suggests the need for an emphasis on programs for Jewish children, such as preschool/child care programs, youth groups, day camps, sleep away camps, and Jewish educational programs. The much smaller number of children age 0-5 than children age 6-12 and the low percentage of persons age in Jewish households suggest that, perhaps due to the high cost of housing, families do not move into Bergen until their children are older. Services for the Elderly Should Be Concentrated in South Bergen/North Hudson 39% of persons in Jewish households in South Bergen/North Hudson are age 65 and over, compared to 10%-19% of persons in the other geographic areas. 36% of elderly persons in Jewish households in Bergen live in South Bergen/North Hudson. Thus, services for the elderly, who comprise 18% of persons in Jewish households (about average for a Jewish community), should be concentrated in South Bergen/ North Hudson. Among the elderly, home health care and senior transportation are the most significant social services needed. -v-

6 Significant Levels of Wealth Exist in the Community While more than 350 Jewish households live below the poverty level in Bergen, this is a relatively wealthy Jewish community. The median housing value of $384,400 for Jewish households is the second highest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to $245,500 for all homes in Bergen County. The median household income of $104,400 for Jewish households is the second highest of about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to $62,000 for all households in Bergen County. The 52% of households earning an annual income of $100,000 and over is the second highest of about 35 comparison Jewish communities. The 19% of households earning $200,000 and over is the second highest of about 20 comparison Jewish communities. Thus, significant potential exists for increasing UJA Federation giving. Jewish Continuity Issues Are Different Than in Other Jewish Communities The issue of Jewish continuity in Bergen is a complex one. On almost all measures of Jewishness, Bergen is one of the most Jewish Jewish communities in the country. Among about comparison Jewish communities, Bergen has the highest percentage of Jewish households who keep a kosher home (29%), the highest percentage who keep kosher in and out of the home (18%), the highest percentage who refrain from using electricity on the Sabbath (12%), the third highest percentage who always or usually participate in a Passover Seder (85%), the third highest percentage who always or usually light Chanukah candles (83%), the fifth highest percentage who always or usually light Sabbath candles (32%), and the sixth highest percentage who have a mezuzah on the front door (76%). Also, high percentages of Jewish children are receiving a Jewish education. The 39% of Jewish children age 6-17 enrolled in Jewish day school is the highest of about 30 comparison Jewish communities, and the 93% of Jewish children age 6-17 who will receive some formal Jewish education is the third highest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities. But, in many ways this is a bifurcated community, in which many households maintain a significant degree of commitment to their Jewish identity, while others clearly consider their Jewishness of somewhat marginal importance. Perhaps best illustrating this bifurcation is the following: 29% of respondents under age 35 refrain from using electricity on the Sabbath. On the other hand, 31% of households under age 35 always, usually, or sometimes have a Christmas tree in the home, and 25% of married couples under age 35 are intermarried. While 95% of households are involved Jewishly in some way (either through religious practice, membership in Jewish institutions, or Jewish philanthropic giving), for many, the extent of involvement in Jewish activity is low. Thus, efforts to engage Jewish households in Jewish life should take into account this type of significant polarization. Intermarriage, While Not as High as in Many Jewish Communities, Is Still an Issue While the 17% couples intermarriage rate in Bergen is well below average among about 45 comparison Jewish communities, the rate for married couples under age 50 (24%) is about double the rate for married couples age 50 and over (12%). As is true in all Jewish communities, the trend is for increasing intermarriage among younger couples. Levels of religious practice and most other involvement in Jewish activity are particularly low in intermarried households. Only 17% of intermarried households are synagogue members; only 59% of children in intermarried households are being raised Jewish; only 21% of intermarried households donated to UJA Federation in the past year. Programs to engage intermarried households in Jewish life are probably best offered from the more neutral environment afforded by the Jewish Community Center. -vi-

7 Attendance at Jewish Day School, Jewish Sleep Away Camp, Jewish Youth Group, and College Hillel as Children All Show Strong Positive Correlations with Jewish Behavior as Adults This study confirms the results of many other Jewish community studies which show strong positive correlations between both formal and informal Jewish education as children and Jewish behavior as adults. For example, 62% of households in which an adult attended or worked at a Jewish sleep away camp as a child are synagogue members, compared to 41% of households in which no adult attended or worked at a Jewish sleep away camp as a child. Note as well that 64% of respondents in households who donated $100 and over to Jewish charities in the past year consider providing Jewish education for children to be a very important motivation to contribute to Jewish organizations. This argues that to build for the future, UJA Federation should expand programs that provide assistance to these forms of Jewish education. Striving for Unity Among Different Jewish Groups Should Be a Priority in Bergen 12% of Jewish respondents (and 20% of Jewish persons, 14,000 persons) in Bergen identify as Orthodox. The 12% Orthodox is the third highest of about 45 comparison Jewish communities. Note that 34% of Jewish respondents in Central Bergen identify as Orthodox, and 57% of Jewish respondents who identify as Orthodox live in Central Bergen. 61% of Jewish respondents who identify as Orthodox are under age 50. 3,400 Sephardic Jews and 3,000 Israelis live in Bergen. The Jewish community should build on the strength that diversity can offer so that it enhances the quality of Jewish life in Bergen. JCCs and Synagogues Are Not Competing Institutions Only 5% of Jewish households in Bergen are JCC members, but are not synagogue members. In addition, 73% of JCC members are also synagogue members. On the other hand, 45% of households are neither synagogue members nor JCC members. Synagogues and the JCCs should work together to encourage membership in both institutions. The Need for a Coordinated Marketing Campaign Is Clear Although the vast majority of respondents perceive UJA Federation and its agencies positively, among respondents who are very or somewhat familiar with UJA Federation and its agencies, the percentage who perceive those agencies as excellent (with the exception of the JCC on the Palisades) is among the lowest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities. UJA Federation should consider a centralized marketing campaign, which could lead to both increased usage of agency services and greater participation in the Annual Campaign. This campaign needs to both familiarize the community with UJA Federation and its agencies as well as to provide positive perceptions. The Connection Between the Bergen Jewish Community and Israel Is One of the Strongest of Any Jewish Community 3,000 persons in Jewish households in Bergen consider themselves to be Israelis, including 1,900 persons who were born in Israel. The 62% of households in which a member visited Israel is the second highest of about 35 comparison Jewish communities. The 30% of households in which a member visited Israel on a Jewish trip is the second highest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities. The 32% of households with Jewish children age 0-17 who have sent at least one Jewish child to Israel is, by far, the highest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities. The 55% of Jewish respondents who are extremely or very emotionally attached to Israel is the highest of about 20 comparison Jewish communities. Of respondents in Jewish households who donated $100 and over to Jewish charities in the past year, the 64% who consider supporting the people of Israel to be a very important motivation to contribute to Jewish organizations is the second highest of about ten comparison Jewish communities. The 27% who would increase their donations to UJA Federation if more of the money went to needs in Israel and overseas is, by far, the highest of six comparison Jewish communities. -vii-

8 Thus, the UJA in the name UJA Federation should be emphasized. Israel programming and emphasis on the role of UJA Federation in support of Israel should be well received in Bergen. Organized Programs to Israel Should Be Expanded On just about every measure of Jewishness, this study shows a significant correlation with visits to Israel, particularly if the Israel trip was sponsored by a Jewish organization. Such trips, particularly for teenagers and young adults, should be expanded so that the Bergen Jewish community can capitalize on the transforming experience that a trip to Israel can offer. Anti-Semitism Is Not the Issue It Once Was, but Is Still a Concern The 12% of Jewish respondents in Bergen who personally experienced anti-semitism in Bergen County in the past year is the fourth lowest of about 30 comparison Jewish communities. The 11% of households with Jewish children age 6-17 in which a Jewish child age 6-17 experienced anti-semitism in the past year is the second lowest of about 15 comparison Jewish communities. The 37% of respondents who perceive that a great deal or a moderate amount of anti-semitism exists in Bergen County is the second lowest of about 30 comparison Jewish communities. Interestingly, despite the low levels of experience with, and perception of, anti-semitism in Bergen County, 63% of respondents in Jewish households who donated $100 and over to Jewish charities in the past year consider combating anti-semitism to be a very important motivation to contribute to Jewish organizations. The Jewish Standard Is Read by Only a Minority of Jewish Households The Jewish newspaper is always or usually read by only 38% of Jewish respondents in Bergen. A similar percentage (39%) of Jewish respondents used the Internet for Jewish-related information in the past year. Given the low levels of familiarity with UJA Federation and its agencies (discussed above), any marketing plan by UJA Federation must deal realistically with the ability of these two media to reach Jewish households. Efforts Need to Be Increased to Involve More People in the Annual Campaign 40% of respondents in Jewish households in Bergen reported that their households were not asked to donate to UJA Federation in the past year. In addition, 34% of respondents are not at all familiar with UJA Federation. Although these percentages are relatively low among about comparison Jewish communities, efforts should be made to raise the profile of UJA Federation. In particular, strategies need to be developed to involve more households under age 35, non-elderly single households, new residents, households with incomes under $100,000, the Just Jewish, intermarried households, and synagogue nonmembers in the Annual Campaign. Efforts Need to Be Increased to Involve Young People in the Annual Campaign As in most Jewish communities, a disproportionate number of donations and a disproportionate share of the total dollars donated to the UJA Federation Annual Campaign derive from the elderly. 78% of Jewish households under age 35 did not donate to UJA Federation in the past year, compared to only 35% of households age 65 and over. In addition, 74% of households under age 35 were not asked to donate to UJA Federation in the past year, compared to only 28% of households age 65 and over. 49% of respondents under age 35 are not at all familiar with UJA Federation, compared to 28% of respondents age 65 and over. Methods need to be devised to involve more young people in the Annual Campaign. -viii-

9 Significant Emphasis on Endowment Giving Should Be Continued In light of the strong attachments of many Jews in Bergen to the local community, greater emphasis should be placed on endowment giving. 65% of respondents age 75 and over feel very much or somewhat a part of the Bergen Jewish community. Particularly among older Jews, the level of philanthropic giving is relatively high. 27% of Jewish households age 75 and over donated $100 and over to UJA Federation in the past year and 37% donated $100 and over to other Jewish charities (Jewish charities other than Jewish Federations). The Endowment Foundation should build upon the proclivity of elderly Jews to donate to Jewish charities. 17% of respondents age 50 and over do not have wills and only 8% have wills that contain provisions for Jewish charities. Emphasis should be placed on enhancing programs which communicate the opportunities for, and advantages of, endowment giving. The Annual Campaign of UJA Federation Should Be Oriented Toward the Motivations for Giving Identified by the Study In Bergen, providing services for the disabled and those with special needs, supporting the people of Israel, providing Jewish education for children, providing social services for the Jewish elderly, combating anti-semitism, and helping Jews overseas who are in distress are the most important motivations to contribute to Jewish organizations, with 60%-65% of respondents in Jewish households who donated $100 and over to Jewish charities in the past year reporting that these are very important motivations to contribute to Jewish organizations. Providing Jewish individual and family counseling and providing social, recreational, and cultural activities for Jews represent a second tier of motivations, with 37%-41% of respondents in households who donated $100 and over to Jewish charities in the past year reporting that these are very important motivations to contribute to Jewish organizations. Supporting educational trips to Israel is a very important motivation for only 32% of respondents in households who donated $100 and over to Jewish charities in the past year. Perhaps respondents do not see a clear connection between providing Jewish education for children and supporting educational trips to Israel. 36% of respondents in households who donated $100 and over to UJA Federation in the past year reported that they would increase their donations if more of the money went to local needs, while 27% of respondents would increase their donations if more of the money went to needs in Israel and overseas. 43% of respondents would increase their donations if they had more say over how the money was spent (designated giving). 37% of respondents would increase their donations if they were asked by a close friend. Unlike in Many Other Jewish Communities, UJA Federation Is Not the Major Jewish Fund Raising Organization Adjusted for inflation, the UJA Federation Annual Campaign increased by $1,047,749 (12%) since Adjusted for inflation, the average donation per household increased by $55 (19%), from $297 to $352. The average donation per household of $352 is about average among about 45 comparison Jewish communities. Yet, of all charitable dollars donated by Jewish households in Bergen in the past year, only 11% were donated to UJA Federation (4% were donated to other Jewish Federations; 56%, to other Jewish charities; and 30%, to non-jewish charities). The 11% of charitable dollars donated to UJA Federation in the past year is the second lowest of about 15 comparison Jewish communities. Of all charitable dollars donated by Jewish households to Jewish charities in the past year, 15% were donated to UJA Federation; 5%, to other Jewish Federations; and 80%, to other Jewish charities. The 15% who donated to UJA Federation is the second lowest of about 15 comparison Jewish communities. The 15% compares to 66% in Rochester, 59% in Milwaukee, 57% in Tidewater, 54% in Wilmington, 53% in Hartford, 49% in Charlotte, 45% in Atlanta, and 26% in Monmouth. -ix-

10 Income levels and measures of Jewishness are very high in Bergen. Thus, significant resources exist in the Jewish community among people who have significant Jewish commitment. The challenge is clearly to educate potential donors about UJA Federation and convince them that UJA Federation is an organization to which they should make a major contribution. -x-

11 Compared to Other Jewish Communities The Main Report contains a complete listing of the comparison Jewish communities to which Bergen is compared in each of the statements below. In most cases, comparisons are made to about comparison Jewish communities. The statements presented below were selected to illustrate some of the most important ways in which Bergen differs from other Jewish communities. Compared to other Jewish communities, Bergen has: Geographic Profile 1. The nineteenth largest Jewish population in the country and the second largest Jewish population in New Jersey (71,700 persons). 2. The lowest percentage of households at their current address for 0-4 years (25%) and the second highest percentage of households at their current address for 20 or more years (33%). Demographic Profile 3. The fourth highest percentage of persons age 0-17 in Jewish households (27%). 4. The third highest average household size (2.8 persons). 5. The fifth lowest percentage of single person households (20%) and the fourth highest percentage of households containing four or more persons (31%). 6. The fourth lowest percentage of adults in Jewish households with a high school degree or less (13%). 7. The second highest median housing value ($384,400). 8. The second highest median household income ($104,400). Religious Profile 9. The third highest percentage of Jewish respondents who identify as Orthodox (12%). 10. The fourth lowest percentage of Jewish respondents who identify as Reform (25%). 11. The sixth highest percentage of households who have a mezuzah on the front door (76%). 12. The third highest percentage of households who always or usually participate in a Passover Seder (85%). 13. The third highest percentage of households who always or usually light Chanukah candles (83%). 14. The fifth highest percentage of households who always or usually light Sabbath candles (32%). 15. The highest percentage of households who keep a kosher home (29%) and the highest percentage of respondents who keep kosher in and out of the home (18%). 16. The highest percentage of respondents who refrain from using electricity on the Sabbath (12%). 17. The seventh highest percentage of Jewish respondents who attend synagogue services once per month or more (29%). 18. The second lowest couples intermarriage rate for married couples under age 35 (25%). 19. The third lowest couples intermarriage rate for married couples age (24%). 20. The third lowest couples intermarriage rate for married couples age (12%). 21. The second lowest percentage of Jewish children age 0-17 in married households being raised in intermarried households (11%). 22. The fifth highest percentage of persons in Jewish households who are Jewish (92%). -xi-

12 Membership Profile 23. The second highest percentage of households with children who are members of a synagogue (65%). 24. The fourth highest percentage of Jewish Community Center (JCC) non-member households who reported cost as the major reason for not joining the local JCC (20%). 25. The fourth lowest percentage of JCC non-member households who reported distance from home as the major reason for not joining the local JCC (12%). 26. The third highest percentage of households who are synagogue members, but are not JCC members (37%). 27. The fifth lowest percentage of households who are not synagogue or JCC members (45%). 28. The fifth highest percentage of households who are associated with the Jewish community (someone in the household is a member of a synagogue, a local JCC, or a Jewish organization) (63%). Jewish Education 29. The highest percentage of born Jewish adults who attended Jewish day school as children (24%). 30. The highest percentage of born Jewish adults who attended or worked at a Jewish sleep away camp as children (37%). 31. The highest percentage of Jewish children age 6-17 enrolled in Jewish day school (39%) and the second lowest percentage of Jewish children age 6-17 enrolled in public school (57%). 32. The highest percentage of Jewish children age 6-17 enrolled in private school who are enrolled in Jewish day school (Jewish day school market share) (91%). 33. The second lowest percentage of households with Jewish children age 0-17 who did not or will not seriously investigate sending a Jewish child to Jewish day school (45%). 34. The third highest percentage of Jewish children age 6-17 who will receive some formal Jewish education (93%). 35. The second highest percentage of Jewish children age 0-17 who attended a Jewish day camp this past summer (23%). 36. The highest percentage of Jewish children age 6-17 who attended a Jewish sleep away camp this past summer (20%). Jewish Agencies 37. The fourth lowest percentage of respondents who are very familiar with the local JCC (the YJCC) (11%). 38. The fourth lowest percentage of respondents (who are very familiar or somewhat familiar with the local JCC) who perceive the JCC (the YJCC) as excellent (25%). 39. The third lowest percentage of respondents (who are very familiar or somewhat familiar with the local Jewish Federation) who perceive the Jewish Federation as excellent (22%). 40. The fifth lowest percentage of respondents who are very familiar with the local Jewish Family Service (9%). 41. The second lowest percentage of respondents (who are very familiar or somewhat familiar with the local Jewish Family Service) who perceive JFS as excellent (25%). 42. The lowest percentage of respondents who are very familiar with the local Jewish nursing home (5%). 43. The lowest percentage of respondents (who are very familiar or somewhat familiar with the local Jewish nursing home) who perceive the Jewish nursing home as excellent (29%). Needs 44. The second lowest percentage of households with single Jewish adults age who needed singles programs in the past year (11%). -xii-

13 Israel 45. The second highest percentage of households in which a member visited Israel (62%). 46. The second highest percentage of households in which a member visited Israel on a Jewish trip (30%). 47. The second highest percentage of households in which a member visited Israel on a general trip (33%). 48. The highest percentage of households with Jewish children age 0-17 who have sent at least one Jewish child on a trip to Israel (32%). 49. The highest percentage of Jewish respondents who are extremely or very emotionally attached to Israel (55%). Anti-Semitism 50. The fourth lowest percentage Jewish respondents who experienced anti-semitism in the local community in the past year (12%). 51. The second lowest percentage of households with Jewish children age 6-17 in which a Jewish child age 6-17 experienced anti-semitism in the local community in the past year (11%). 52. The third lowest percentage of respondents who perceive a great deal or a moderate amount of anti-semitism in the local community (37%). Philanthropic Profile 53. The third lowest percentage of households who were not asked to donate to the local Jewish Federation in the past year (40%). 54. The fourth lowest percentage of households who donated to the local Jewish Federation in the past year who donated $1,000 and over (7%) and the sixth highest percentage who donated under $100 (53%). 55. The highest percentage of households who donated to other Jewish charities (Jewish charities other than Jewish Federations) in the past year (60%). 56. The highest percentage of households who donated to other Jewish charities in the past year who donated $1,000 and over (22%) and the lowest percentage who donated under $100 (32%). 57. The third lowest percentage of households who donated to non-jewish charities, but not to Jewish charities in the past year (16%). 58. The sixth highest percentage of households who donated to all charities (both Jewish and non- Jewish) in the past year (89%). 59. The second lowest percentage of charitable dollars donated by Jewish households in the past year that were donated to the local Jewish Federation (11%). 60. The highest percentage of charitable dollars donated by Jewish households in the past year that were donated to other Jewish charities (56%). 61. The second highest percentage of all charitable dollars donated by Jewish households in the past year that were donated to Jewish charities (including the local Jewish Federation) (70%). -xiii-

14 Geographic Areas of Bergen County and North Hudson -xiv-

15 Zip Code Areas in Bergen County and North Hudson (all zip codes begin with 07) -xv-

16 Zip Code Area Names in Bergen County and North Hudson -xvi-

17 Introduction R esearch and planning have become essential components of the activities of the organized American Jewish community. More than 50 scientific community studies have been completed in American Jewish communities since 1983, covering almost 85% of American Jews. National Jewish Population Surveys (NJPS) were conducted by the Council of Jewish Federations in 1971 and 1990, and another was conducted in by United Jewish Communities. This report will assist UJA Federation of Bergen County & North Hudson (UJA Federation), Jewish agencies, local synagogues, and Jewish organizations in developing the community s strengths and in designing projects and programs to address its needs. It will provide information to help the community set priorities and guide decisionmaking in the 21 st century. Purposes of the Study T hree major driving forces helped to define the need for, and the nature of, this study. First, the 1990 National Jewish Population Survey and its report of significant intermarriage rates and issues of Jewish continuity have seriously impacted the agenda of the American Jewish community. Concern about Jewish continuity is as great in Bergen as in any other community. This study was designed, in part, to provide UJA Federation of Bergen County & North Hudson, Jewish agencies, local synagogues, and Jewish organizations with information to enable them to provide services and programs to contribute to the development of a Jewish community that will offer compelling reasons for all Jews to maintain their Jewish identity and remain active members of the community. Second, complex decisions must be made by UJA Federation of Bergen County & North Hudson and its agencies. This study provides data to assist in UJA Federation s traditional role as a funder of social service agencies. Questions were asked which will assist UJA Federation and its agencies that provide, or are concerned with, social and educational services, including the Jewish Community Centers, Jewish Family Service, the Jewish Home and Rehabilitation Center, and the Jewish day schools. This study has found that the population of Bergen is diverse, and with large numbers of both children and elderly, the social service network is critical to the continuing strength of the community. This study provides the data to help fine tune this network and prioritize the services offered. Third, while UJA Federation of Bergen County & North Hudson plays a central role in Jewish fund raising in Bergen, it was felt that the potential for increased giving is clearly extant. To help meet Jewish needs in Bergen, Israel, and around the world, questions were designed to gather information helpful to financial resource development by UJA Federation and the Endowment Foundation of UJA Federation. The Telephone Survey T he results in this report are based upon a Telephone Survey consisting of 1, minute telephone interviews conducted in June 2001 through random digit dialing (RDD). In RDD surveys, random telephone numbers are generated by a computer. When an interviewer dialed these random numbers, there was no guarantee that a household, let alone a Jewish household, would be reached. The introduction asked whether anyone in the household was Jewish. 90% of the respondents answered this question. In total, 30,000 different telephone numbers were dialed more than 65,000 times to obtain the 1,003 RDD telephone interviews. The RDD methodology is necessary for a study to obtain results that accurately represent a population. The major advantage of this methodology is that it produces a random sample of Jewish households to 1

18 Introduction be interviewed. The RDD methodology also has the advantages of generating a high response rate (in Bergen, 84% of eligible households agreed to be interviewed), guaranteeing anonymity to respondents, and providing the ability to interview households with unpublished telephone numbers. Perhaps more importantly, the RDD methodology does not rely upon Jewish households making themselves known to the Jewish community by joining a synagogue, Jewish Community Center, or other Jewish organization or by donating money to a Jewish fund raising campaign. Thus, a more accurate representation of the Jewish community should be obtained with the RDD methodology than with telephone directory methods or methods that rely upon randomly selecting households from organizational mailing lists. Several meetings were held in which community rabbis, Jewish agency executives and lay leadership, UJA Federation staff, and the Demographic Study Committee contributed to the development of the survey instrument. Telephone interviewers from the Bergen Jewish community were hired via advertisements in The Jewish Standard, several mailings, and by word of mouth. All interviewers were themselves interviewed for the positions and attended a three-hour training session. The Telephone Survey was conducted from the JCC on the Palisades. Telephone Survey Reliability T he sample size of 1,003 is adequate so that we can be 95% certain that the margin of error for the overall results (the results when examining all 1,003 interviews) is no greater than ±3.1%. When results are not based upon the total sample size of 1,003 (for example, when results are presented for households with elderly persons), the margin of error is greater than ±3.1%. See Chapter 2 in the Main Report for a detailed discussion of sample sizes and confidence intervals. Jewish Institutions Survey B rief surveys were administered to the local synagogues, the Jewish Community Centers, the Jewish day schools, and UJA Federation. These surveys primarily collected information on membership levels and enrollments in various programs. DJN Counting Project A n analysis of the size and geographic location of the Jewish population of Bergen in 1994 and 2001 was completed using CD-ROM telephone directories covering the area. This information provided data on the growth of the Jewish population not obtainable from the Telephone Survey. The number of households in each zip code with any of 31 Distinctive Jewish Names was counted. Use of This Report R eaders are cautioned that not all of the data that justify the statements contained in this Summary Report are reproduced herein. See the Main Report for a more complete presentation of the results. Demographic data are easily misunderstood. The data in the text, tables, and graphics should be examined carefully. The most common error in misinterpretation occurs when readers do not concentrate on the nature of the denominator (or base) used in calculating a percentage. As an example, note that this study reports that 34% of Jewish respondents in Central Bergen identify as Orthodox. Yet, 57% of Jewish respondents who identify as Orthodox live in Central Bergen. Another common error is to interpret results in terms of the number of households when results are given in terms of the number of persons, or vice versa. The careful reader will notice small differences in the percentages and numbers of households and persons shown in various parts of this report. In the 2

19 Introduction tables, not all columns and rows add up precisely. In some cases, percentages add to 99% or 101% in the text, tables, and graphics. The differences are due to rounding error. Definitions J ewish Person. A Jewish person is any person who was born Jewish, was raised Jewish, or currently considers himself/herself Jewish (irrespective of formal conversion). Note that whether a person was born Jewish, was raised Jewish, or currently considers himself/herself Jewish is based on self-definition. Jewish Household. A Jewish household is any household containing one or more Jewish persons. Persons in Jewish Households. Persons in Jewish households are any persons (both Jewish and non- Jewish) living in a Jewish household. Some results in this report are shown for persons in Jewish households, while other results are shown only for Jewish persons in these households. Children who are temporarily away at school are included as persons in Jewish households. Paid employees living in a household are not included as persons in Jewish households. Respondent. The respondent is the person in a Jewish household who was queried in the Telephone Survey. Some questions in the Telephone Survey were asked of the respondent only, while other questions were asked of the respondent about the household or other persons in the household. Some results in this report are shown for respondents only. Head of Household. In most cases, the respondent is the head of household. In households in which the respondent was an adult child or an elderly relative, a head of household was selected at random from the husband and wife in the household. Age of Head of Household and Age of Respondent. Data are shown for the age of head of household when examining a variable such as synagogue membership, since it is the head of the household who is instrumental in such a decision. Data are shown for the age of respondent when examining a question in which the respondent is expressing an opinion (such as the perception of anti- Semitism) and when examining a question asked of the respondent only (such as synagogue attendance). Age Groups. Except as otherwise specified in this report, children refers to persons age 0-17, teenagers refers to persons age 13-17, adults refers to persons age 18 and over, non-elderly refers to adults under age 65, and elderly refers to adults age 65 and over. Household Structure. Household with children refers to all households with children age 0-17 at home. Non-elderly couple household refers to all two-person households containing a married couple in which the head of the household is age Non-elderly single household refers to all single person households containing a person age Elderly couple household refers to all two-person households containing a married couple in which the head of the household is age 65 or over. Elderly single household refers to all single person households containing a person age 65 or over. Jewish Identification. With the exception of the data on the denomination of synagogue membership, results reported for Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Just Jewish groups refer to a respondent s selfidentification, not the denomination of synagogue membership. Types of Marriage An in-marriage is a marriage in which both spouses were born Jewish and currently consider themselves Jewish. A conversionary inmarriage is a marriage in which one spouse was born Jewish and currently considers himself/herself Jewish and the other spouse was not born Jewish, but currently considers himself/herself Jewish (irrespective of formal conversion) (Jew-by-Choice). 3

20 Introduction An intermarriage is a marriage in which one spouse was born Jewish and currently considers himself/herself Jewish and the other spouse was not born Jewish and does not currently consider himself/herself Jewish. Jewish Organization. A Jewish organization is a Jewish organization other than a synagogue or a Jewish Community Center. In querying whether anyone in the household is a member of a Jewish organization, respondents are given the examples of B nai B rith and Hadassah. Jewish and General Trips to Israel. A Jewish trip to Israel is a trip sponsored by a Jewish group, such as a Jewish Federation, a synagogue, or a Jewish organization such as B nai B rith. Households containing Israelis are reported as households in which a member visited Israel on a Jewish trip. Households containing members who visited Israel on both a Jewish trip and a general trip are reported under Jewish trip. A general trip to Israel is either a trip sponsored by a non-jewish group or a commercial company, or a trip in which one visits Israel on one s own. Comparison Jewish Communities I n many cases, this report compares Bergen with other American Jewish communities. The choice of comparison Jewish communities depends upon whether particular Jewish communities had recently completed studies, and whether questions had been asked in a similar manner and results reported in a manner facilitating comparison. Also, to be included in a given comparison, a community had to have asked the question of the same set of persons in a household as Bergen. For example, if the question in Bergen was asked of all persons in Jewish households, only other communities querying this set of persons could be included in the comparison. We believe that based on the recency of the study, geographic proximity, or similar population size, the following communities provide particularly instructive comparisons: Atlanta, Baltimore, MetroWest, New York, and Philadelphia. See the Main Report for a complete listing of the comparison Jewish communities for each question. NJPS 1990 N JPS 1990 refers to the 1990 National Jewish Population Survey. Study Area T he study area (referred to as Bergen in this report) includes all areas served by UJA Federation of Bergen County & North Hudson located in River Edge, New Jersey. This includes large sections of Bergen County and a small area in northern Hudson County. Bergen County is just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. For purposes of geographical analysis, the study area is divided into five geographic areas: Pascack-Northern Valley includes zip codes 07423, 07430, 07446, 07458, 07463, 07630, 07640, 07641, 07642, 07645, 07656, 07675, 07676, and North Palisades includes zip codes 07620, 07624, 07626, 07627, 07631, 07632, 07647, 07648, and Central Bergen includes zip codes 07621, 07628, and West Bergen includes zip codes 07450, 07452, 07601, 07603, 07607, 07644, 07646, 07649, 07652, 07661, 07662, and South Bergen/North Hudson includes zip codes 07010, 07020, 07022, 07024, 07047, 07074, 07075, 07087, 07093, 07094, 07604, 07605, 07606, 07608, 07643, 07650, 07657, and

21 Table of Contents Page Geographic Profile Population Size and Distribution Geographic Profile Migration... 9 Geographic Profile Adult Children...11 Geographic Profile Location of Employment Demographic Profile Age...13 Demographic Profile Household Structure Demographic Profile Marital Status...21 Demographic Profile Education Level...22 Demographic Profile Employment Status...23 Demographic Profile Household Income...24 Religious Profile Jewish Identification...26 Religious Profile Practices...27 Religious Profile Synagogue Attendance...33 Religious Profile Types of Marriage...35 Membership Profile Organizations...39 Feel a Part of the Jewish Community...44 Jewish Education of Adults Formal...45 Jewish Education of Adults Informal...47 Jewish Education of Children Preschool/Child Care Jewish Education of Children School Age Children Jewish Education of Children Jewish Day School Jewish Education of Children Informal...55 Jewish Agencies Familiarity...57 Jewish Agencies Perception...59 Social Service Needs...61 Israel...67 Anti-Semitism...70 Readership of the Jewish Newspaper...71 Philanthropic Profile Overall Donations...72 Philanthropic Profile UJA Federation Donations Philanthropic Profile Other Donations...78 Philanthropic Profile Wills...79 Philanthropic Profile Volunteerism...80 Philanthropic Profile Attitudes...82 Political Profile

22 Geographic Profile Population Size and Distribution I t is estimated that 78,000 persons live in 28,400 Jewish households in Bergen. Of these 78,000 persons, 71,500 persons (92%) are Jewish. The 71,500 Jews constitute 8.1% of the 882,455 persons in Bergen. Geographic Area Table 1 Current Size of the Jewish Community Number of Jewish Households Average Household Size Persons in Jewish Households Number Percentage Jewish Number of Jews Pascack-Northern Valley 4, , % 11,910 North Palisades 5, , % 16,103 Central Bergen 5, , % 17,204 West Bergen 5, , % 14,269 S Bergen/N Hudson 6, , % 12,091 Total 28, , % 71,500 Jewish Persons in Institutions Without Their Own Telephone Numbers 200 Jewish Students from Outside Bergen in College Dormitories 400 Total Number of Jews 72,100 Total Number of Persons in the Jewish Community (including non-jews in Jewish households, Jewish persons in institutions, and Jewish students): 78,600 Table 2 Geographic Distribution of the Jewish Community Jewish Households 6 Persons in Jewish Households Jews in Jewish Households Geographic Area Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Pascack-Northern Valley 4, % 13, % 11, % North Palisades 5, , , Central Bergen 5, , , West Bergen 5, , , S Bergen/N Hudson 6, , , Total 28, % 78, % 71, %

23 Geographic Profile Population Size and Distribution About 456,000 Jews live in New Jersey. 15.7% of New Jersey s Jews live in Bergen. Bergen is the second largest Jewish community in New Jersey. From the number of persons in Jewish households decreased by 4,900 persons. The only increase in persons in Jewish households is shown in Pascack-Northern Valley (1,300 persons). A small decrease is shown in North Palisades (-500 persons), and larger decreases are shown in Central Bergen (-1,900 persons), South Bergen/North Hudson (-1,800 persons), and West Bergen (-1,600 persons). (These results are based upon the DJN Counting Project.) The most likely scenario is that the slow rate of decline in the Jewish population from is likely to continue during the next few years. 5% of Jewish households reside in Bergen for less than ten months of the year. Change in the Number of Persons in Jewish Households by Geographic Area,

24 Geographic Profile Population Size and Distribution Map of Jewish Households by Zip Code 8

25 O Geographic Profile Migration verall, 87% of persons in Jewish households in Bergen were born in the United States. 83% of persons were born in the Northeast; 2%, in the Midwest; 1%, in the South; and 1%, in the West. 33% of persons were born in New Jersey and 47%, in New York. 4% (3,432 persons) of persons in Jewish households consider themselves to be Sephardic Jews. 4% (2,964 persons) of persons in Jewish households consider themselves to be Israelis (including 1,872 persons who were born in Israel). 4% (994 households) of Jewish households are from the former Soviet Union. 27% (21,138 persons) of persons in Jewish households were locally born (born in Bergen). The 27% is below average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 51% in MetroWest and 26% in Atlanta. The relatively low percentage of locally-born persons is important in understanding levels of attachment to local institutions. 13% of persons in Jewish households were born outside the United States. 5% of persons were born in Eastern Europe and 3%, in Western Europe. 2% (1,872 persons) of persons were born in Israel. The 13% foreign born is above average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 17% in New York, 10% in Atlanta, and 7% in MetroWest. The 13% compares to 24% of all residents (both Jewish and non-jewish) of Bergen County and 10% of all Americans (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of % (3,578 households) of respondents have always lived in Bergen. 23% of respondents have always lived in New Jersey. 90% of respondents have always lived in Bergen or moved to Bergen from the Northeast (including 63% from New York). 2% of respondents moved to Bergen from the Midwest; 3%, from the South; 2%, from the West; and 4%, from a foreign location. Length of Residence in Bergen 9

26 Geographic Profile Migration 13% (3,550 households) of Jewish households in Bergen moved to Bergen within the past five years (new households). Thus, an average of 710 households moved to Bergen each year during the past five years (the in-migration rate). Another 12% of households in Bergen moved to Bergen during the past 5-9 years. In total, 24% of households in Bergen have lived in Bergen for less than ten years. 20% of households in Bergen have lived in Bergen for years and 56%, for 20 or more years (long-term households). The 13% of new households is well below average among about 40 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 27% in Atlanta, 21% in MetroWest, and 18% in New York. The 56% of long-term households is well above average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 74% in Baltimore, 49% in New York, and 39% in Atlanta. 25% of Jewish households have lived at their current address for 0-4 years; 18%, for 5-9 years; 24%, for years; and 33%, for 20 or more years. The 25% at their current address for 0-4 years is the lowest of about 30 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 55% in Atlanta and 32% in Baltimore. The 33% at their current address for 20 or more years is the second highest of the comparison Jewish communities and compares to 20% in Baltimore and 11% in Atlanta. 84% of Jewish households own their homes. Home ownership indicates a higher level of attachment to the local community. The 84% is well above average among about 40 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 85% in MetroWest, 69% in Atlanta, and 54% in New York. The 84% compares to the 68% national figure (NJPS 1990), 67% of all households (both Jewish and non-jewish) in Bergen County, and 66% of all American households (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of % (2,414 households) of Jewish households will definitely move (either within Bergen or out of Bergen) within the next three years. 14% (4,004 households) of households will probably move; 40%, probably not; and 34%, definitely not. 4% of households don t know whether they will move. In total, 23% of Jewish households will definitely or probably move within the next three years. The 23% definitely/probably moving is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 31% in Atlanta. The 34% definitely not moving is the sixth lowest of the comparison Jewish communities and compares to 30% in Atlanta. 10% of Jewish households definitely/probably plan to move out of Bergen within the next three years. The 10% is about average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 21% in MetroWest and 13% in Atlanta. 4% of Jewish households definitely plan to move out of Bergen within the next three years. The 4% is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 7% in Atlanta. The 4% definitely moving out of Bergen within the next three years suggests a loss of an average of 398 households per year. Some portion of the 6% probably moving out of Bergen (an average of 577 households per year) will actually move. In total, between 398 and 975 households plan to move out of Bergen (the outmigration rate). Recall that an average of 710 households move to Bergen each year (the in-migration rate). These data support the conclusion that no significant change will be seen in the number of Jewish households in Bergen in the next few years. The most likely scenario is that the slow rate of decline from , noted previously, will continue. 10

27 R Geographic Profile Adult Children espondents age 50 and over in Jewish households in Bergen were asked whether they have adult children who live independently, and if so, whether these children live in Bergen or in the New York metropolitan area. The interest in this information relates to the support system that adult children can provide for their parents, particularly in times of poor health. Adult children living in Bergen presumably will provide such a support system. The presence of adult children living in Bergen also indicates the existence of multigenerational families. Such families generally show a greater level of attachment to the Jewish community. Overall, 77% of households in which the respondent is age 50 or over have adult children who live independently and 23% have no adult children who live independently. 35% of households have at least one adult child who lives independently in Bergen; 41% have adult children none of whom live independently in Bergen. These data suggest that 35% of Jewish households in which the respondent is age 50 or over will have a local support system as they age. The 35% of households with local (in Bergen) adult children is about average among about 20 comparison Jewish communities. 60% of households have at least one adult child who lives independently in the New York metropolitan area. Of households in which the respondent is age 75 or over, 46% have at least one adult child who lives independently in Bergen. In Jewish households in which the respondent is age 50 or over, 59% of all adult children who live independently have established their homes in the New York metropolitan area. Thus, 59% of the adult children in the Bergen Jewish community choose to live in Bergen when they establish their own homes. Location of Adult Children (Households in Which the Respondent Is Age 50 or Over) 11

28 R Geographic Profile Location of Employment espondents in Jewish households in Bergen were asked whether the employed adults (full time or part time) in their households work in Bergen, elsewhere in New Jersey, or in New York. 56% (19,600 adults) of employed adults work in Bergen, 34% (11,935 adults) work in Hudson County or elsewhere in New Jersey, and 10% (3,465 adults) work in New York. In total, 44% of employed adults work outside Bergen. The 44% compares to 48% in both Monmouth and Westport and 26% in Broward, the only other communities for which the data are available. Location of Employment of Adults Employed Full Time or Part Time 12

29 T Demographic Profile Age he age and sex distribution of a population is among the most important demographic indicators. It is a major determinant of the types of programs a Jewish community must offer. Age is related to everything from levels of religious observance to synagogue membership and levels of philanthropy. The 27% of persons age 0-17 in Jewish households in Bergen is the fourth highest of about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 26% in Baltimore, 25% in Atlanta, 23% in MetroWest, and 22% in both Philadelphia and New York. The 27% compares to the 22% national figure (NJPS 1990), 23% of all residents (both Jewish and non-jewish) of Bergen County, and 26% of all Americans (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of The 18% of persons age 65 and over in Jewish households is about average among about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 20% in Philadelphia, 17% in Baltimore, 16% in New York, 14% in MetroWest, and 12% in Atlanta. The 18% compares to the 15% national figure (NJPS 1990), 15% of all residents (both Jewish and non-jewish) of Bergen County, 13% of all residents (both Jewish and non-jewish) of New Jersey, and 12% of all Americans (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of The 8% of persons age 75 and over in Jewish households is about average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 9% in both Baltimore and Philadelphia and 5% in each of MetroWest, Atlanta, and New York. The 8% compares to 7% of all residents (both Jewish and non- Jewish) of Bergen County and 6% of all Americans (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of Age and Sex Distribution of Persons in Jewish Households 13

30 Demographic Profile Age Table 3 Age and Sex Distribution of Persons in Jewish Households Percentage Number Age Group Male Female All Male Female All % 3.6% 7.2% 2,808 2,808 5, ,602 4,992 9, ,808 2,886 5, ,354 2,496 5, ,950 2,886 4, ,226 5,460 10, ,318 7,176 13, ,588 4,524 8, ,588 4,134 7, ,418 2,964 5, and over ,170 Total 47.9% 52.1% 100.0% 37,362 40,638 78,000 Cumulative Age Categories % 13.7% 26.8% 10,218 10,686 20, and over 34.8% 38.4% 73.2% 27,144 29,952 57, % 6.9% 13.7% 5,304 5,382 10, % 11.5% 22.4% 8,502 8,970 17, % 10.5% 19.0% 6,630 8,190 14, and over 8.6% 9.7% 18.3% 6,708 7,566 14, and over 4.0% 4.4% 8.4% 3,120 3,432 6,552 Median Age Median age in years. 5,616 children age 0-5 live in Jewish households (93% of whom (5,220 children) are being raised Jewish), as do 9,594 children age 6-12 (92% of whom (8,795 children) are being raised Jewish) and 5,694 children age (92% of whom (5,220 children) are being raised Jewish). An average of 936 children are born to persons in Jewish households each year, of whom 870 children will be raised Jewish. 52% of persons in Jewish households are female. The 52% is about average among about 40 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 53% in Atlanta, 52% in Philadelphia, 51% in MetroWest, and 49% in New York. 14

31 Demographic Profile Age Pascack-Northern Valley (Median Age = 42.5 years) North Palisades (Median Age = 36.8 years) Central Bergen (Median Age = 37.2 years) West Bergen (Median Age = 41.8 years) Age Distribution of Persons in Jewish Households by Geographic Area 15

32 Demographic Profile Age South Bergen/North Hudson (Median Age = 56.3 years) Age Distribution of Persons in Jewish Households by Geographic Area (continued) Table 4 Geographic Distribution of Jewish Children Age Group Pascack- N Valley North Palisades Central Bergen West Bergen S Bergen/ N Hudson Total % % % % % % % % 33% of persons in synagogue member households are age 0-17, compared to 18% of persons in synagogue non-member households. 15% of persons in synagogue member households are age 65 and over, compared to 22% of persons in synagogue non-member households. 36% of persons in JCC member households are age 0-17, compared to 24% of persons in JCC non-member households. 11% of persons in JCC member households are age 65 and over, compared to 20% of persons in JCC non-member households. 16

33 T Demographic Profile Household Structure he average household size for Jewish households in Bergen is 2.75 persons. The 2.8 average household size is the third highest of about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 2.9 in New York, 2.7 in Baltimore, 2.5 in both MetroWest and Atlanta, and 2.4 in Philadelphia. The 2.8 compares to the 2.5 national figure (NJPS 1990), 2.6 for all households (both Jewish and non-jewish) in Bergen County, and 2.6 for all American households (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of The 20% of single person households is the fifth lowest of about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 32% in Philadelphia, 29% in New York, 22% in Atlanta, and 19% in MetroWest. The 20% compares to the 23% national figure (NJPS 1990), 25% of all households (both Jewish and non-jewish) in Bergen County, and 26% of all American households (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of Household Size Household Structure 17

34 Demographic Profile Household Structure Table 5 Household Structure Base: Jewish Households Household Structure Percentage Number Households with Children (Age 0-17) at Home Married Couple 32.5% 9,230 Unmarried Couple Single Parent # Total Households with Children (Age 0-17) at Home 36.2% 10,281 Married Couple Households No Children at Home Married Couple under Age % 426 Married Couple Age Married Couple Age ,954 Total Non-Elderly Couple Households 14.2% 4,033 Married Couple Age % 2,528 Married Couple Age 75 and over 6.7 1,903 Total Elderly Couple Households 15.6% 4,430 # Total Married Couple Households No Children at Home 29.8% 8,463 Single Person Households Single Male under Age % 909 Single Female under Age ,392 Total Non-Elderly Single Households 8.1% 2,300 Single Male Age % 142 Single Female Age ,335 Single Male Age 75 and over Single Female Age 75 and over 4.9 1,392 Total Elderly Single Households 12.1% 3,436 # Total Single Person Households 20.2% 5,737 Other Household Structures Married Couple with Adult Children (Age 18 and over) at Home 7.7% 2,187 Single Parent with Adult Children (Age 18 and over) at Home Persons of the Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters Roommates Other Household Structures # Total Other Household Structures 13.8% 3,919 Grand Total 100.0% 28,400 18

35 Demographic Profile Household Structure The 33% of married couple households with children age 0-17 at home is about average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 46% in MetroWest and 32% in each of Baltimore, Atlanta, and New York. The 33% compares to the 23% national figure (NJPS 1990) and 24% of all American households (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of The 3% of single parent households with children age 0-17 at home is about average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 6% in New York, 4% in MetroWest, 3% in Baltimore, and 2% in Atlanta. The 2% of married couple households under age 35 without children at home is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 5% in Atlanta. The 13% of married couple households age without children at home is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 13% in Atlanta. The 16% of married couple households age 65 and over without children at home is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 8% in Atlanta. The 8% of single person households under age 65 is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 14% in Atlanta. The 3% of single male households age 65 and over is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 1% in Atlanta. The 10% of single female households age 65 and over is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 8% in Atlanta. 32% (4,852 children) of children age 0-12 live in Jewish households in which both parents (or the parent in a single parent household) are employed full time. The 32% is about average among about 20 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 39% in Atlanta. The percentage of children age 0-12 living in households with working parents helps to determine the need for after school programs. 7% of children age 0-17 in Jewish households live in single parent households. The 7% is about average among about 20 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 5% in Atlanta. The 7% compares to 25% of all white American children (both Jewish and non-jewish) age 0-17 as of % of children age 0-17 in Jewish households live in households in which an adult is either currently divorced or divorced and remarried. The 24% is about average among about 20 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 31% in Atlanta. 24% of persons age 65 and over in Jewish households live alone. The 24% is about average among about 20 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 29% in Atlanta. The 24% compares to 31% of all Americans (both Jewish and non-jewish) age 65 and over as of % of persons age 75 and over in Jewish households live alone. The 29% is about average among about 15 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 40% in Atlanta. 19

36 Demographic Profile Household Structure Selected Household Structures by Geographic Area 20

37 A Demographic Profile Marital Status mong about 45 comparison Jewish communities, Jewish households in Bergen have average percentages of adults who are currently married (73%), single, never married (15%), currently divorced (5%), and currently widowed (7%). 14% of adults are or have been divorced, 8% are or have been widowed, 85% are or have been married, and 11% are on their second or higher marriage. The divorce rate for adults in Jewish households of 74 divorced adults per 1,000 married adults is below average among about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 123 in Baltimore, 112 in New York, 90 in Philadelphia, 75 in Atlanta, and 71 in MetroWest. The 74 compares to 177 for all Americans (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of Marital Status of Adults Table 6: Marital Status by Age for Adult Males Marital Status Under Married for First Time 26.8% 76.4% 71.4% 73.2% 64.3% Single, Never Married Divorced, Remarried Widowed, Remarried Currently Divorced Currently Widowed Separated Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Table 7: Marital Status by Age for Adult Females Marital Status Under Married for First Time 39.7% 76.0% 61.7% 53.4% 43.9% Single, Never Married Divorced, Remarried Widowed, Remarried Currently Divorced Currently Widowed Separated Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 21

38 O Demographic Profile Education Level nly 2% of adults (age 18 and over) in Jewish households in Bergen do not have a high school degree. 70% of adults (72% of adult males and 69% of adult females) have a four-year college degree or higher. 31% of adults (33% of adult males and 30% of adult females) have a graduate degree, including 3% who have a medical or dental degree and 3% who have a law degree. The 70% with a four-year college degree or higher is above average among about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 71% in MetroWest, 70% in Atlanta, 66% in Baltimore, and 59% in New York. The 70% compares to the 51% national figure (NJPS 1990), 38% of all adults (both Jewish and non- Jewish) in Bergen County, and 23% of all American adults (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of Education Level of Adults The 31% with a graduate degree is about average among about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 35% in both MetroWest and Baltimore, 32% in New York, and 29% in Atlanta. The 31% compares to the 22% national figure (NJPS 1990), 13% of all adults (both Jewish and non-jewish) in Bergen County, and 8% of all American adults (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of Table 8: Level of Secular Education by Age for Adult Males Highest Degree Earned Under High School Degree or Less 12.8% 9.2% 6.8% 11.9% 31.7% Some College/2-Year College Degree Year College Degree Graduate Degree Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Total 4-Year College Degree or Higher 42.6% 83.7% 88.1% 76.8% 50.7% Table 9: Level of Secular Education by Age for Adult Females Highest Degree Earned Under High School Degree or Less 12.5% 5.1% 9.4% 26.3% 34.8% Some College/2-Year College Degree Year College Degree Graduate Degree Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Total 4-Year College Degree or Higher 58.1% 83.9% 78.5% 50.6% 43.4% 22

39 T Demographic Profile Employment Status he unemployment rate for adults in Jewish households in Bergen is 1.4% (calculated as a percentage of all adults in the labor force). 62% of adults are in the labor force. The 49% employed full time is about average among about 40 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 59% in Atlanta, 55% in Baltimore, 51% in MetroWest, and 37% in New York. The 21% retired is about average among about 40 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 22% in Baltimore, 20% in New York, 19% in MetroWest, and 13% in Atlanta. Employment Status of Adults Table 10: Employment Status by Age for Adult Males Employment Status Under Employed Full Time 40.6% 92.8% 85.6% 32.8% 9.3% Employed Part Time Unemployed Retired Homemaker Disabled Volunteer Student Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Table 11: Employment Status by Age for Adult Females Employment Status Under Employed Full Time 31.7% 52.2% 50.3% 11.0% 1.7% Employed Part Time Unemployed Retired Homemaker Disabled Volunteer Student Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 23

40 Demographic Profile Household Income R espondents in Jewish households in Bergen were asked their household income before taxes in % of respondents answered this question. The type of bias introduced by the lack of a response from 29% of respondents is unknown. Not all 29% of respondents refused to answer this question. In some cases, particularly when an adult child was interviewed, the respondent simply did not know the household income. The median household income of $104,400 is the second highest of about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to $95,000 in MetroWest, $70,000 in Baltimore, $68,400 in Atlanta, $62,800 in New York, and $53,000 in Philadelphia. The $104,400 compares to the $55,500 national figure (NJPS 1990), $61,925 for all households (both Jewish and non-jewish) in Bergen County, and $41,350 for all American households (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of (Note that all median household income data have been adjusted for inflation to current dollars.) The 52% earning an annual household income of $100,000 and over is the second highest of about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 27% in Baltimore, 23% in Atlanta, and 17% in Philadelphia. The 52% compares to 28% of all households (both Jewish and non-jewish) in Bergen County and 12% of all American households (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of The 8% earning an annual household income under $25,000 is the second lowest of about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 24% in Philadelphia, 19% in Atlanta, and 14% in Baltimore. The 8% compares to 18% of all households (both Jewish and non-jewish) in Bergen County and 30% of all American households (both Jewish and non-jewish) as of Annual Household Income 24

41 Demographic Profile Household Income Median Household Income (in thousands) Respondents in Jewish households who reported a relatively low household income were asked additional income questions to determine if their households had income below the Federal poverty levels for % (369 households) of households reported that their household income in 2000 was below the 1999 poverty level. 1,051 Jewish households earn an annual income under $15,000, including the 369 households whose income is below the poverty level. The $384,400 median housing value for Jewish households is the second highest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to $206,000 in Atlanta. The $384,400 compares to $245,500 for all homes (both Jewish owned and non-jewish owned) in Bergen County and $120,500 for all American homes (both Jewish owned and non-jewish owned) as of (Note that all median housing value data have been adjusted for inflation to current dollars.) The median housing value is lowest for households in South Bergen/North Hudson ($223,500) and highest for households in North Palisades ($569,800). The median housing value is $444,300 for households in Pascack-Northern Valley, $377,300 for households in West Bergen, and $327,000 for households in Central Bergen. 25

42 Religious Profile Jewish Identification J ewish respondents in Bergen were asked whether they considered themselves Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or Just Jewish. 12% (3,465 households) of respondents identify as Orthodox; 32% (9,202 households), Conservative; 25% (7,100 households), Reform; and 30% (8,634 households), Just Jewish. The 12% Orthodox is the third highest of about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 17% in Baltimore, 13% in New York, 7% in MetroWest, 4% in Philadelphia, and 3% in Atlanta. The 32% Conservative is about average among about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 40% in MetroWest, 38% in Philadelphia, 33% in Baltimore, 32% in New York, and 29% in Atlanta. Jewish Identification (Jewish Respondents Only) The 25% Reform is the fourth lowest of about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 42% in MetroWest, 34% in Atlanta, 36% in Baltimore, 33% in New York, and 28% in Philadelphia. The 30% Just Jewish is about average among about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 33% in Atlanta, 30% in Philadelphia, 22% in New York, 14% in Baltimore, and 9% in MetroWest. The 12% Orthodox compares to the 6% national figure (NJPS 1990); the 32% Conservative is equal to the national figure; the 25% Reform compares to the 36% national figure; and the 30% Just Jewish compares to the 26% national figure. Jewish Identification by Age of Respondent (Jewish Respondents Only) 26

43 O Religious Profile Practices verall, 91% of Jewish households in Bergen contain one or more persons who observe at least one of the following religious practices: always or usually participate in a Passover Seder, always or usually light Chanukah candles, always or usually light Sabbath candles, or keep a kosher home. 95% of households are doing something Jewish in that they either observe one or more of these practices, or are members of a synagogue, or one of the two local Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), or a Jewish organization, or donated to a Jewish charity in the past year. Religious Practices Among the comparison Jewish communities shown in the Main Report (some of which are shown in Table 12), Bergen has the highest percentage of Jewish households who keep a kosher home (29%), the highest percentage who keep kosher in and out of the home (18%), the highest percentage who refrain from using electricity on the Sabbath (12%), the third highest percentage who always or usually participate in a Passover Seder (85%), the third highest percentage who always or usually light Chanukah candles (83%), the fifth highest percentage who always or usually light Sabbath candles (32%), and the sixth highest percentage who have a mezuzah on the front door (76%). Bergen has a below average percentage of Jewish households who always, usually, or sometimes have a Christmas tree in the home (17%). Having a Christmas tree in the home is a more common practice among younger households, households with children, non-elderly couple households, the Just Jewish, and intermarried households. Of households in which everyone is Jewish, 7% always/usually/sometimes have a Christmas tree in the home. In some of these households, one of the Jews is a Jew-by-Choice, who is continuing a non-jewish practice. 27

44 Religious Profile Practices Table 12: Religious Practices Comparison with Other Communities Base: Jewish Households Percentage Yes Percentage Always/Usually Mezuzah on Kosher Passover Chanukah Sabbath Xmas Community Year Front Door Home Seder Candles Candles Tree Bergen % 29% 85% 83% 32% 12% Atlanta % 9% 76% 74% 21% 18% Baltimore 1999 NA 22% 85% 79% 36% NA Denver 1997 NA 13% 62% 63% 27% NA MetroWest 1998 NA NA 84% NA 32% 15% Monmouth % 26% 86% 87% 25% 11% New York 1991 NA NA 75% 70% 24% 14% Philadelphia 1997 NA 17% 74% 71% 20% NA St. Louis % 9% * 77% 72% 24% 15% Charlotte % 8% 69% 73% 16% 27% Hartford % 17% 78% 78% 25% 16% Las Vegas 1995 NA 8% * 67% 73% 21% 22% Los Angeles % NA 74% 71% 26% 13% Milwaukee % 13% 77% 70% 24% 18% Orlando % 9% 66% 74% 16% 22% Richmond % 9% 73% 71% 20% 21% Rochester % 21% 79% 80% 28% 16% Tidewater % 10% 75% 77% 22% 22% Toronto 1990 NA 30% * 88% 73% 42% 6% Westport % 6% 79% 78% 17% 21% Wilmington % 12% 74% 74% 19% 21% Broward % 16% 75% 74% 21% 10% Miami % 20% 77% 73% 29% 7% St. Petersburg % 10% 65% 67% 21% 20% Sarasota % 6% 69% 65% 17% 12% South Palm Beach % 17% 79% 78% 23% 3% West Palm Beach % 12% 79% 75% 17% 6% 1 NJPS 1990 NA 12% * 60% 57% 16% 28% 1 * Always buy kosher meat. NJPS is the National Jewish Population Survey. 28

45 Religious Profile Practices Religious Practices in Households with Children (Always + Usually or Yes) Religious Practices by Trips to Israel (Always + Usually or Yes) 29

46 Religious Profile Practices Intermarried households are much less likely to observe religious practices than are in-married households. Conversionary in-married households are much closer in practice to in-married households than to intermarried households. The sample size for conversionary in-married households is too small to include the results in the bar chart below. (See the Introduction section of this report for definitions of the terms in-marriage, conversionary in-marriage, and intermarriage.) Religious Practices by Type of Marriage (Always + Usually or Yes) 30

47 Religious Profile Practices Mezuzah on Front Door Participate in a Seder (Always + Usually) Light Chanukah Candles (Always + Usually) Light Sabbath Candles (Always + Usually) Religious Practices by Age of Head of Household (I) 31

48 Religious Profile Practices Keep a Kosher Home Kosher In/Out of Home (Respondents Only) Refrain from Electricity (Respondents Only) Have a Christmas Tree (Always + Usually + Sometimes) Religious Practices by Age of Head of Household (II) 32

49 O Religious Profile Synagogue Attendance verall, 23% of Jewish respondents in Bergen never attend synagogue services (or only attend for special occasions, such as weddings and B nai Mitzvah). The 23% is about average among about 40 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 23% in Atlanta, 19% in New York, 15% in Baltimore, and 13% in MetroWest. The 23% compares to the 35% national figure (NJPS 1990). The 29% who attend services once per month or more is the seventh highest of about 40 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 30% in Baltimore, 26% in New York, 22% in MetroWest, and 19% in Atlanta. The 29% compares to the 21% national figure (NJPS 1990). 56% of respondents in synagogue non-member households attend synagogue services at least once per year (other than for special occasions). Synagogue Attendance (Jewish Respondents Only) 54% of respondents in synagogue member households attend services once per month or more, compared to only 4% of respondents in synagogue non-member households. Respondents in households in which an adult visited Israel on a Jewish trip (43%) are more likely to attend services once per month or more than are respondents in households in which an adult visited Israel on a general trip (35%) and respondents in households in which no adult visited Israel (13%). Synagogue Attendance by Age of Respondent (Jewish Respondents Only) 33

50 Religious Profile Synagogue Attendance Synagogue Attendance by Various Population Groups (Jewish Respondents Only) 34

51 I Religious Profile Types of Marriage ntermarriage has developed into one of the most important issues for the Jewish community and has clearly reached significant proportions in most American Jewish communities. As a result, intermarriage must be taken into account in local Jewish community planning. Although some intermarried couples are contributing significantly to the Jewish community, it is also clear that when measures of Jewishness for intermarried and in-married couples are compared in this and other community studies, intermarriage is affecting Jewish continuity. Intermarriage rates may be reported based on married couples or individuals. As an illustration, imagine that two weddings occur. In wedding one, Moshe (a Jew) marries Rachel Types of Marriage (Couples Intermarriage Rate) (also a Jew). In wedding two, Abraham (a Jew) marries Christine (a non-jew). Thus, there are two married couples, one of whom is intermarried. In this illustration, the couples intermarriage rate is 50%. Another method of calculating an intermarriage rate, however, is to note that there are three Jews (Moshe, Rachel, and Abraham) and one of the three (Abraham) is married to a non-jew. In this illustration, the individual intermarriage rate is 33%. The Bergen Jewish community contains 19,912 married couples. 78% (15,432 married couples) of married couples involve in-marriages between two born Jews, 5% (1,035 married couples) involve conversionary in-marriages, and 17% (3,445 married couples) involve intermarriages. (See the Introduction section of this report for definitions of the terms in-marriage, conversionary in-marriage, and intermarriage.) The 17% couples intermarriage rate is well below average among about 45 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 37% in Atlanta, 32% in New York, 22% in Philadelphia, 17% in Baltimore, and 11% in MetroWest. The individual intermarriage rate is 10%. 28% of married couples in Pascack-Northern Valley are intermarried, compared to about 17% of married couples in South Bergen/North Hudson, West Bergen, and North Palisades and 8% of married couples in Central Bergen. In households with children, 73% of married couples are in-married, 7% are conversionary in-married, and 20% are intermarried. 5% of married couples in synagogue member households are intermarried, compared to 32% of married couples in synagogue non-member households. 35

52 Religious Profile Types of Marriage 0% of married couples in households in which the respondent is Orthodox are intermarried, compared to 9% of married couples in households in which the respondent is Conservative, 21% of married couples in households in which the respondent is Reform, and 33% of married couples in households in which the respondent is Just Jewish. 5% of married couples in households in which an adult visited Israel on a Jewish trip are intermarried, compared to 11% of married couples in households in which an adult visited Israel on a general trip and 35% of married couples in households in which no adult visited Israel. 9% of married couples in households in which an adult attended Jewish day school as a child are intermarried, compared to 22% of married couples in households in which no adult attended Jewish day school as a child. 28% of married couples in households who did not donate to UJA Federation in the past year are intermarried, compared to 13% of married couples in households who donated under $100 and 3% of married couples in households who donated $100 and over. The couples conversion rate is calculated by dividing the percentage of conversionary in-married couples by the total percentage of married couples involving marriages between born Jews and persons not born Jewish. For Bergen, the couples conversion rate is 23%. Note that no question was asked about whether a formal conversion occurred. The 23% conversion rate is about average among about 40 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 23% in Baltimore, 21% in MetroWest, 19% in Philadelphia, and 14% in Atlanta. 2.6% of Jewish persons are Jews-by-Choice. (A person is defined in this study as a Jew-by-Choice if he/she was not born Jewish, but currently considers himself/herself Jewish.) The 2.6% is below average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 3.6% in Atlanta. Of the 17,383 Jewish children age 0-17 being raised in married households, 81% (14,151 children) are being raised in in-married households (two born Jews); 8% (1,304 children), in conversionary in-married households; and 11% (1,931 children), in intermarried households. The 11% of Jewish children being raised in intermarried households is the second lowest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 25% in Atlanta. 59% of children age 0-17 in intermarried households are being raised Jewish. The 59% is above average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 62% in Baltimore and 47% in both Philadelphia and Atlanta. Of the 63% of Jewish households in which the respondent is age 50 or over with an adult child who lives independently and is married, 47% have an intermarried child. Thus, 30% (47% of 63%) of all Jewish households in which the respondent is age 50 or over have an adult child who lives independently and is intermarried. The 47% who have an intermarried child is the lowest of about ten comparison Jewish communities. 36

53 Religious Profile Types of Marriage Couples Intermarriage Rate Comparison with Other Communities 37

54 Religious Profile Types of Marriage Types of Marriage by Age of Head of Household (Couples Intermarriage Rate) Individual Intermarriage Rate by Age of Head of Household 38

55 O Membership Profile Organizations verall, 63% of Jewish households in Bergen are associated with the Jewish community in that they are members of a synagogue, or one of the two Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) in Bergen, or a Jewish organization. The 63% is the fifth highest of about 30 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 64% in Baltimore, 51% in New York, 50% in Atlanta, and 49% in Philadelphia. The 63% compares to the 40% national figure (NJPS 1990). According to the Telephone Survey, 50% of respondents in Jewish households reported that their households are currently paying synagogue dues. This implies that 14,285 households are current synagogue members. Of the 14,285 synagogue member households, 96% (13,660 households) are members of a synagogue located in Bergen. Thus, 48% (96% of 50%) of all Jewish households reported current synagogue membership in a local synagogue. According to the Synagogue Survey, the number of local synagogue member households is 11,418 households, or 40%. Thus, the Telephone Survey indicates that local synagogue membership is 8 percentage points higher than that suggested by the Synagogue Survey. Such a disparity is common in Jewish community studies. The 50% current synagogue membership (according to the Telephone Survey) is above average among about 50 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 56% in MetroWest, 52% in Baltimore, 38% in New York, and 37% in both Philadelphia and Atlanta. The 50% compares to the 32% national figure (NJPS 1990). 15% (4,260 households) of households definitely or probably plan to join a synagogue in the future. This represents 30% of synagogue non-member households. Lifetime synagogue membership is defined as the percentage of households who are members of a synagogue at some time during their adult lives. The 81% lifetime synagogue membership is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities. Current synagogue membership is 65% of households with children. The 65% is the second highest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 49% in New York and 47% in Atlanta. The 65% compares to the 35% national figure (NJPS 1990). Lifetime synagogue membership is 85% of households with children. Current synagogue membership increases from 33% of households earning an annual income under $50,000 to 38% of households earning $50,000-$100,000, 51% of households earning $100,000-$200,000, and 70% of households earning $200,000 and over. Current synagogue membership is 63% of in-married households and 71% of conversionary in-married households, compared to only 17% of intermarried households. The 17% of intermarried households who are current synagogue members is about average among about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 30% in MetroWest and 13% in Atlanta. 39

56 Membership Profile Organizations Synagogue Membership Overlap Between Synagogue and JCC Memberships 40

57 Membership Profile Organizations Current Synagogue Membership 41

58 Membership Profile Organizations Current Synagogue Membership Comparison with Other Communities 42

59 Membership Profile Organizations According to the Telephone Survey, 18% of respondents in Jewish households reported that their households are currently paying dues to one of the two JCCs in Bergen. This implies that 5,112 Jewish households are local JCC members. 14% of households reported membership in the JCC on the Palisades and 4%, in the YJCC. According to the JCC Survey, the number of Jewish JCC member households is 3,950 households, or 14%. Thus, the Telephone Survey indicates that JCC membership is 4 percentage points higher than that suggested by the JCC Survey. Such a disparity is common in Jewish community studies. The 18% JCC membership (according to the Telephone Survey) is about average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 17% in MetroWest, 15% in New York, 14% in Atlanta, and 8% in Philadelphia. The 18% compares to the 17% national figure (NJPS 1990). The major reason most commonly reported for not joining either JCC is no need for the services offered (44%). The 44% is about average among about 20 comparison Jewish communities. The 20% who reported cost is the fourth highest of about 20 comparison Jewish communities. The 12% who reported distance from home is the fourth lowest of about 20 comparison Jewish communities. The 2% who reported quality of the program is about average among about 20 comparison Jewish communities. 41% of respondents in Jewish households reported that someone in their household participated in a program at one of the two local JCCs in the past year. The 41% is above average among about 30 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 35% in Atlanta, 29% in New York, and 23% in Philadelphia. The 41% compares to the 25% national figure (NJPS 1990). 23% of Jewish households participated in a local JCC program in the past year without being a member of either local JCC. 29% of Jewish households who are not JCC members are members of a fitness facility or health club. The JCCs have a 43% market share of the fitness facility and health club market among Jewish households. 36% of Jewish households reported current membership in a Jewish organization such as B nai B rith or Hadassah. The 36% is about average among about 40 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 47% in MetroWest, 40% in both Baltimore and Atlanta, 26% in New York, and 25% in Philadelphia. The 36% compares to the 27% national figure (NJPS 1990). 47% of in-married households are Jewish organization members, compared to 28% of conversionary in-married households and 6% of intermarried households. 17% of Jewish households who are not members of a synagogue or a local JCC are Jewish organization members. The 17% is about average among about 20 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 15% in Atlanta. 43

60 J Feel a Part of the Jewish Community ewish respondents in Bergen were asked: How much do you feel like you are a part of the Jewish community of Bergen County and North Hudson? Would you say very much, somewhat, not very much, or not at all? Feel a Part of the Bergen Jewish Community (Jewish Respondents Only) The percentage who feel very much/somewhat a part of the Jewish community is higher for respondents in Central Bergen (76%) and North Palisades (68%) than for respondents in West Bergen (57%), South Bergen/North Hudson (51%), and Pascack-Northern Valley (50%). The percentage who feel very much/somewhat a part of the Jewish community is much lower for the Just Jewish (36%) than for Reform Jews (54%), Conservative Jews (74%), and Orthodox Jews (98%). Only 35% of respondents in intermarried households feel very much/somewhat a part of the Jewish community, compared to 68% of respondents in in-married households and 75% of respondents in conversionary in-married households. 44

61 I Jewish Education of Adults Formal n total, 78% of born Jewish adults (age 18 and over) in Jewish households in Bergen received some formal Jewish education as children. The 78% is about average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 80% in Atlanta, 77% in MetroWest, and 72% in New York. The 78% compares to the 74% national figure (NJPS 1990). 87% of born Jewish adult males received some formal Jewish education as children, compared to 70% of born Jewish adult females. Born Jewish adult females in all age groups were less likely to receive some formal Jewish education as children than were born Jewish adult males. 94% of born Jewish adults in households in which the respondent is Orthodox received some formal Jewish education as children, compared to 82% of born Jewish adults in households in which the respondent is Conservative, 77% of born Jewish adults in households in which the respondent is Reform, and 64% of born Jewish adults in households in which the respondent is Just Jewish. The 24% of born Jewish adults who attended Jewish day school as children is, by far, the highest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 15% in New York and 10% in both MetroWest and Atlanta. The 24% compares to the 9% national figure (NJPS 1990). 80% of born Jewish adults in in-married households and 75% of born Jewish adults in intermarried households received some formal Jewish education as children. 27% of born Jewish adults in in-married households attended Jewish day school as children, compared to 16% of born Jewish adults in intermarried households. Type of Formal Jewish Education of Born Jewish Adults as Children Born Jewish Adults Who Received Some Formal Jewish Education as Children by Age and Sex 45

62 Jewish Education of Adults Formal Respondents in Jewish households reported whether any born Jewish adult in the household attended Jewish day school as a child. Attendance at Jewish day school is shown to be positively correlated with most measures of Jewishness, although we cannot attribute cause and effect to these relationships. Households in Which an Adult Attended Jewish Day School as a Child * Always + Usually 46

63 A Jewish Education of Adults Informal s more concerns are raised about Jewish continuity, interest has been sparked in identifying factors which may be related to encouraging people to choose to lead a Jewish life. Thus, three forms of informal Jewish education were examined for born Jewish adults in Jewish households in Bergen. Overall, 37% of born Jewish adults attended or worked at a Jewish sleep away camp as children, 36% were active in a Jewish youth group as teenagers, and 31% participated in Hillel while in college (excluding the High Holidays). The 37% who attended or worked at a Jewish sleep away camp as children is the highest of about 15 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 36% in Atlanta. The 36% who were active in a Jewish youth group as teenagers is about average among about 15 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 28% in New York. The 31% who participated in Hillel while in college (excluding the High Holidays) is about average among about 15 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 22% in New York. Born Jewish Adults Who Attended or Worked at a Jewish Sleep Away Camp as Children, Were Active in a Jewish Youth Group as Teenagers, and Participated in Hillel While in College by Age 47

64 Jewish Education of Adults Informal Respondents in Jewish households reported whether any born Jewish adult in the household attended or worked at a Jewish sleep away camp as a child, was active in a Jewish youth group as a teenager, or participated in Hillel while in college (excluding the High Holidays). All three forms of informal Jewish education are shown to be positively correlated with most measures of Jewishness, although we cannot attribute cause and effect to these relationships. Households in Which an Adult Attended or Worked at a Jewish Sleep Away Camp as a Child Households in Which an Adult Was Active in a Jewish Youth Group as a Teenager 48

65 Jewish Education of Adults Informal Households in Which an Adult Participated in Hillel While in College 32% of Jewish respondents attended an adult Jewish education class or program in the past year. The 32% is the highest of about ten comparison Jewish communities and compares to 27% in New York. 39% of Jewish respondents used the Internet for Jewish-related information in the past year. 49

66 Jewish Education of Children Preschool/Child Care A ccording to the Telephone Survey, 34% of Jewish children age 0-5 in Bergen are enrolled in a Jewish preschool/child care program, 24% are enrolled in a non-jewish preschool/child care program, and 42% are not enrolled in a preschool/child care program. The Jewish preschool/child care market share (market share) is defined as the percentage of Jewish children age 0-5 enrolled in a preschool/child care program who are enrolled in a Jewish preschool/child care program. The 58% market share is about average among about 20 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 25% in Philadelphia. According to the Jewish Institutions Survey, 755 Jewish children age 0-5 are enrolled in a Jewish preschool/child care program at a synagogue; 622 Jewish children age 0-5, at one of the two local Jewish Community Centers (JCCs); and 284 Jewish children age 0-5, at a Jewish day school. In total, 1,661 Jewish children age 0-5 are enrolled in a Jewish preschool/child care program. Of the 755 Jewish children age 0-5 enrolled in a Jewish preschool/child care program at a synagogue, 151 Jewish children are enrolled at an Orthodox synagogue; 293 Jewish children, at a Conservative synagogue; 306 Jewish children, at a Reform synagogue; and 5 Jewish children, at the Reconstructionist synagogue. According to the Jewish Institutions Survey, 32% (1,661 children) of Jewish children age 0-5 are enrolled in a Jewish preschool/child care program. The 32% result from the Jewish Institutions Survey is within the margin of error of the 34% result from the Telephone Survey. Preschool/Child Care Enrollment of Jewish Children Age

67 Jewish Education of Children School Age Children A ccording to the Jewish Institutions Survey, 73% of Jewish children age 6-12 and 34% of Jewish children age in Bergen are currently enrolled in formal Jewish education. The 73% of Jewish children age 6-12 currently enrolled in formal Jewish education is above average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 76% in MetroWest and 54% in Atlanta. The 34% of Jewish children age currently enrolled in formal Jewish education is above average among about 35 comparison Jewish communities and compares to 28% in MetroWest and 25% in Atlanta. According to the Jewish Institutions Survey, 3,303 Jewish children age 6-12 are enrolled in a synagogue school and 3,114 Jewish children age 6-12 are enrolled in Jewish day school. In total, 6,417 Jewish children age 6-12 are currently receiving some formal Jewish education. Of the 3,303 Jewish children age 6-12 enrolled in a synagogue school, 224 Jewish children are enrolled in an Orthodox synagogue school; 1,506 Jewish children, in a Conservative synagogue school; 1,567 Jewish children, in a Reform synagogue school; and 6 Jewish children, in the Reconstructionist synagogue school. According to the Jewish Institutions Survey, 234 Jewish children age are enrolled in a synagogue school, 418 Jewish children age are enrolled in one of two supplemental schools, and 1,106 Jewish children age are enrolled in Jewish day school. In total, 1,758 Jewish children age are currently receiving some formal Jewish education. Of the 234 Jewish children age enrolled in a synagogue school, 25 Jewish children are enrolled in an Orthodox synagogue school; 85 Jewish children, in a Conservative synagogue school; and 124 Jewish children, in a Reform synagogue school. According to the Telephone Survey, 89% of Jewish children age 6-17 are currently enrolled or have been enrolled in formal Jewish education. Another 4% of Jewish children age 6-17 have not yet been enrolled in formal Jewish education, but definitely or probably will be enrolled in the future. In total, 93% of Jewish children age 6-17 will eventually receive some formal Jewish education. For 7% of Jewish children age 6-17, the parents have not yet enrolled the children in formal Jewish education and definitely or probably will not enroll them in the future. The 93% who will receive some formal Jewish education is the third highest of about 25 comparison Jewish communities. 4.3% (414 households) of Jewish households with children age 0-17 have children with a learning disability and/or a physical, mental, or other health condition that has prevented them from receiving a Jewish education. Receipt of Some Formal Jewish Education by Jewish Children Age

68 Jewish Education of Children School Age Children Jewish Children Age 6-12 Currently Enrolled in Formal Jewish Education Comparison with Other Jewish Communities 52