Demographic and Attitudinal Survey of the Jewish Population of New Mexico January 15, 2015
Introduction Research goals How Jews in New Mexico identify as being Jewish, including denomination and upbringing Attitudes regarding the importance of being Jewish and participating in the Jewish community Level of Jewish practice, including religious and community involvement Demographic characteristics Ultimately, the purpose of the project is to support strategic planning for strengthening the Jewish community in New Mexico. JFNM Survey 2
Methodology Telephone calls to a random sample of surname/geography targeted individuals 4,012 individuals on the list, 90 completes JFNM/partner provided lists of 5,052 emails/phones yielded 152 completes by phone, 484 via email Publicized a link to the survey website, resulting in 665 completes Paper surveys were distributed, resulting in 300 additional completes JFNM Survey 3
Methodology The total sample of 1,691 has a margin of error of +2.4% at the 95% confidence level Subgroups carry higher margins of error Data collected September 2-November 3, 2014 Results have been weighted to reflect the distribution by gender of the population and by the distribution by age of Jews in New Mexico as estimated by Brandeis According to the Brandeis estimates of Jewish NM population, this corresponds to a 7% response JFNM Survey 4
Screening: Phone Survey Warm-up question (age) Present religion Jewish by Religion (87% of our survey, vs. 78% of the Pew survey) Consider self Jewish (apart from Messianic) Jews of No Religion (1% for our survey, 12% of Pew) Jewish parent or raised Jewish Jews by Background (12% of our survey, 10% of Pew) Crypto-Jews (4% of all Jews in our survey) JFNM Survey 5
Overview Much older population than the national Jewish population 87% of Jews in NM are from out of State; 40% have been here more than 20 years Relatively solid levels of importance of being Jewish, attachment to Israel; high levels of Seder attendance, donation to Jewish charities Softer importance of Jewish community results JFNM Survey 6
Denomination and Upbringing 7
Denomination - Current Nearly one-half of Jews in New Mexico consider themselves to be Reform (48%), while 18% consider themselves Conservative, 8% are either Renewal (5%) or Reconstructionist (3%), and 4% are either Orthodox (2%) or Chabad (2%). Another 15% say none and 6% say other. Nationally, 35% are Reform, 18% are Conservative, 6% are Renewal/ Reconstructionist and 10% are Orthodox/Chabad. One-third (30%) say none and 6% say other. 80% 60% 48% 40% 20% 0% 18% 15% 5% 3% 2% 6% 2% Reform Conservative Renewal Reconstructionist Orthodox Chabad Other None Q6. Thinking about Jewish religious denominations, do you consider yourself to be? JFNM Survey 8
Denomination Current vs. Raised One-third (33%) were raised Reform, 29% were raised Conservative, 13% were not raised Jewish, and 7% were raised Orthodox (less than 1% was raised Chabad), while 8% were raised with no denomination and 6% said another denomination. Nationally, 29% say Reform, 26% Conservative, 14% Orthodox and 17% none. Those age 65+ were much more likely to have been raised in an Orthodox household than those 55-64 or younger, while those age 35-54 were more likely to be raised Reform. Those 18-44 are more likely not to have been raised Jewish. 80% 60% 48% Current Past 40% 33% 29% 20% 0% 18% 5% 7% 6% 6% 3% 1% 1% 2% 2% 15% 8% 13% Q7. Were you raised? JFNM Survey 9
Other Issues Denomination Switching 20% of those raised Orthodox/Chabad are Orthodox/Chabad today, 35% of those raised Conservative are still Conservative and 71% of those raised Reform are still Reform Conversion Among the 13% who report that they were not raised Jewish, twothirds (65%) have had a formal conversion to Judaism, and 34% say they have not Among those who report that they did have a formal conversion to Judaism, 62% say they had a conversion through the Reform movement, 24% say Conservative, 6% say Orthodox (and another 2% say Chabad), and 6% say Reconstructionist (5%) or Renewal (1%) Those who were not raised Jewish are typically Reform (45%), followed by Conservative (20%) and Renewal/Reconstructionist (6%) and Orthodox/Chabad (5%) (and another 20% say none or other ) JFNM Survey 10
Formal Jewish Education Two-thirds of Jews in New Mexico report that they were in a formal Jewish education program when they were growing up, such as Jewish Day School, Hebrew school or Sunday school. Those most likely to say they grew up with some formal Jewish education include those over the age of 45 (and particularly those over 65) and those who were not born in New Mexico. Yes, 69% No, 30% Not sure, 1% Q26. When you were growing up, did you participate in a formal Jewish educational program, such as Jewish Day school, Hebrew School or Sunday school? JFNM Survey 11
Attitudes 12
Importance of Being Jewish The majority of New Mexico Jews say that being Jewish is very important in their life, with another 31% saying it is somewhat important to them. Nationally, 46% say being Jewish is very important, 34% say somewhat and 20% say not too/not at all important. Orthodox/Chabad and Conservative Jews are more likely to say very important, as are members of a synagogue (though we would point out that 41% of those who are not members say very important ). Very important Somewhat Not very Not at all Unsure 59% 31% 7% 2%1% Q10. How important is being Jewish in your life? JFNM Survey 13
Importance of Jewish Community Two-in-five New Mexico Jews (40%) say that being involved in the Jewish community is very important to them, with another 38% saying it is somewhat important to them. We see a similar trend, with Orthodox/Chabad and Conservative Jews (and Reconstructionist/Renewal Jews as well) saying very important. There is an even more pronounced gap on this question between those who are members of a synagogue and those who are not. Very important Somewhat Not very Not at all Unsure 40% 38% 16% 5% 1% Q11. How important is it to you to be involved in the Jewish community where you live? JFNM Survey 14
Narrative: Why do you feel that way? Three thousand years of beautiful tradition from Moses to Sandy Koufax "I live in a small ranching community in Northern NM...I don't know any Jews here and I don't advertise... things being what they are... I live in rural NM. The closest Jewish community is 60 miles away. That is too far for us to travel for community Want my kids to connect with my culture Want kids raised Jewish There don't seem to be many opportunities to connect. "I am culturally Jewish, not religiously Jewish; I don't always participate in the Jewish community because I am not religiously Jewish. "It depends on the character of the local Jewish community. There's diversity in American Jewish culture--sometimes I identify, sometimes I feel alienated." JFNM Survey 15
Narrative: Why do you feel that way? "Although I feel very Jewish, I was raised in a home that wasn't observant and we never belonged to a synagogue or temple. I feel like a Jew culturally but not at all religiously. I don't believe in God and have no interest in belonging to a temple. "I am an observant Jew who believes that unless you are involved there is no community & unless you are one of the bricks, there is no building." "As a convert, it's very important to be connected to a shul to help cultivate and strengthen my growth in Judaism. Just found out one of my parents has an auto-immune decease. Was contacted by a Jewish historian and found out thru DNA testing and ancestral tracing that there was definitely a connection to crypto-jews Getting closer to my roots and raising my children with the knowledge that our ancestors were crypto Jews JFNM Survey 16
Close Friends are Jewish About one-quarter (28%) say all (3%) or most (25%) of their close friends are Jewish, while 51% say that some are Jewish and 20% say hardly any (17%) or none (3%). Nationally, 32% say all/most, 46% say some and 21% say hardly any/none. Those 18-34 are considerably more likely to say none, while those over 65 are more likely to say all/most. Those who are not members of a synagogue are less likely to say all/most. A higher proportion of those living in Other Counties say hardly any/none, while few Jews in Santa Fe tend to say hardly any/none. 80% 60% 51% 40% 25% 20% 3% 0% 3% 0% All Most Some Hardly any None (DNR) Q25. How many of your close friends are Jewish? JFNM Survey 17
Attached to Israel Three-quarters feel attachment to Israel, including 40% who are very attached and 38% who are somewhat attached. Nationally, 30% say very attached, 39% say somewhat attached and 33% say not very/not at all. Members of a synagogue are more likely to say very attached, as are Orthodox/Chabad Jews and Conservative Jews. Younger Jews, as well as Renewal/ Reconstructionist Jews and those who say no or another denomination, are more likely to say not very/not at all attached. Very attached Somewhat attached Not very attached Not at all Unsure 40% 38% 14% 7% Q27. How emotionally attached are you to Israel? JFNM Survey 18
Engagement 19
Synagogue Membership A majority of Jews in New Mexico say someone in their household is a member of a synagogue or temple, and another 3% say they are a member of an independent Havurah or minyan, while 4% say there is no synagogue available nearby. Nationally, 39% overall report being members of a synagogue (with 47% saying as such among Jews by Religion in the Pew survey). Those with children and Orthodox/Chabad Jews are most likely to belong to a synagogue, while those who say none or another denomination are considerably less likely to do so. Jews outside Bernalillo/Sandoval and Santa Fe are more likely to report no synagogue nearby. Jews under the age of 35 are much less likely than those over age 35 to be member. Yes, 56% No, 35% Independent havurah or minyan, 3% No synagogue nearby, 4% Q13. Is anyone in your household currently a member of a synagogue or temple, or not? JFNM Survey 20
Attend Services New Mexico s Jews attend religious services a few times a year (34%) and 24% attend once or twice a month. One-in-ten (12%) attend weekly (8%) or more than once a week (4%), while 16% attend seldom and 12% never attend. Orthodox/Chabad are much more likely to say they attend services at least weekly, while Conservative and Renewal/Reconstructionist Jews are more likely to say they attend at least a few times a month. 80% 60% 40% 24% 34% 20% 4% 8% 16% 12% 0% More than 1x wk 1x wk 1x-2x per mo Few per yr, High Holidays Seldom Never Q15. Aside from special occasions like weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs, how often do you attend Jewish religious services at a synagogue, temple minyan or havurah? JFNM Survey 21
Importance of Prayer and Spirituality Jews in New Mexico are about equally divided on the importance of spirituality and prayer in a formal or informal setting, with one-third (33%) saying these are very important to them, 37% saying somewhat important, and 30% saying these are not too important (18%) or not at all important to them (12%). Orthodox/Chabad Jews are most likely to say very important, followed by Renewal/Reconstructionist Jews; those with no or another denomination are most likely to say not too/not at all important. Those age 18-44, as well as those 55-64, are most likely to say very important, while those age 65 or greater are most likely to say not too/not at all important. Those outside of Bernalillo/Sandoval and Santa Fe are most likely to say very important. Very important Somewhat Not very Not at all Unsure 33% 37% 18% 12% Q16. In general, how important are spirituality and prayer in your life (whether in a formal or informal setting)? JFNM Survey 22
Pray in Hebrew A majority of New Mexico s Jews can read or sing along during a Hebrew prayer service (56%), while 28% can follow along partially and 17% say they cannot. Those who are Orthodox/Chabad and Conservative are most likely to say yes, as are those who are a member of a synagogue. Yes, 56% No, 17% Partially, 28% Q17. Can you read or sing along in Hebrew during a prayer service? JFNM Survey 23
Practices A strong majority (79%) attended a Seder last year, while one-in-five (17%) report that they had a Christmas tree. Nationally, 70% attended Seder, and 32% had a Christmas tree. Orthodox/Chabad and Conservative Jews are most likely to have attended a Seder, as are those under the age of 44, those with children and natives of New Mexico. Those most likely to have had a Christmas tree include those who say they have no or another denomination, those who are not members of a synagogue, those under the age of 54, those with children and natives of New Mexico. 100% 80% 79% Yes No 82% 60% 40% 20% 21% 17% 0% Attended a Seder Q23. Last Passover, did you hold or attend a Seder? Q24. Last Christmas, did your household have a Christmas tree? Had a Christmas tree JFNM Survey 24
Membership/Participation Up to one-third of Jews in New Mexico say they are a member or otherwise participate in the activities, programs or meetings of a Jewish organization. Keep in mind that percentages add to more than 100 because individuals could choose multiple responses. ADL Hadassah JCC JNF 35% 33% 31% 28% JFNM 24% B'Nai Brith 19% Hillel Holocaust Museum Other 11% 10% 13% None 45% Not sure 3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Q18. Is anyone in your household currently a member of any of the following Jewish organizations or does anyone participate in their activities, programs or meetings? JFNM Survey 25
Engagement Summary Two-thirds (69%) donate to a Jewish charity or organization, 61% attend or participate in other formal or informal Jewish groups, activities or gatherings and 60% donate or are a member of a secular organization. Nationally, 56% donate to Jewish charities (67% among Jews by Religion). 80% 60% 69% Yes No 61% 40% 36% 26% 20% 0% Do you or anyone in your HH donate to Jewish charities or organizations? Do you or anyone in your HH attend or participate in other formal or informal Jewish groups, activities or gatherings? Q19. Does anyone in your household donate to any Jewish charities or organizations? Q20. Does anyone in your household attend or participate in other formal or informal Jewish groups, activities or gatherings? JFNM Survey 26
Engagement Summary Those most likely to donate to Jewish charities include Orthodox/Chabad and Conservative Jews, those who are members of a synagogue, those over the age of 55, those who are natives of New Mexico and those who have been in New Mexico for over 20 years Those more likely to participate in Jewish activities/groups include Orthodox/Chabad and Reconstructionist/Renewal Jews, synagogue members, those <44 and those with children Those most likely to participate in secular organizations include Renewal/Reconstructionist Jews, synagogue members and those who have been in NM for over 20 years Q19. Does anyone in your household donate to any Jewish charities or organizations? Q20. Does anyone in your household attend or participate in other formal or informal Jewish groups, activities or gatherings? JFNM Survey 27
Secular Organizations Among the 60% who say they donate to or participate in a non-jewish or secular organization, three-quarters (79%) say they support a charitable/social services organization, while 53% say they attend events/festivals/concerts. One-quarter support animal shelters/rescues and a similar percentage participate in walks/runs for a cause. 80% 60% 60% Yes No Charitable/social service organizations Festivals/concerts/events 53% 79% Animal shelters/rescues 26% 40% 36% Races/walks for charities 26% 20% Other religious/spiritual groups Civic groups (Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.) 11% 10% 0% Participate/member of secular organizations Other Not sure 2% 22% Q21. Does anyone in your household donate or is anyone a member of a non-jewish or secular organization or does anyone participate in the activities, programs, or meetings of a non-jewish or secular organization? Q22. IF YES, ONLINE ONLY: Which organizations, groups or activities? Please choose all that apply: 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% JFNM Survey 28
Jewish News/Periodicals The New Mexico Jewish Link is read by 39% of Jews in New Mexico, with other periodicals being read by 10%-20%. One-third (33%) say none. NM Jewish Link 39% Ha'aretz 17% ABQ Jew 15% Jersualem Post Forward 11% 15% Jewish Telegraphic Agency 5% Other 21% Do not read Jewish periodicals 33% Not sure 3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Q28. Do you regularly read news in any of the following Jewish newspaper or a periodicals, or do you get this information from another source? JFNM Survey 29
Media Preference About one-third (36%) have no preference whether they read the news (generally speaking) online or in print, while 35% prefer reading online and 27% prefer reading it in print. Those most likely to say they prefer to read news online include those under age 44 and those with children. Those most likely to say they prefer print include those over age 55 and those who have been in New Mexico for over 20 years. Online, 35% Neither/Not sure, 3% Print, 27% Same, 36% Q29. Do you prefer to read the news (in general) in print, online or about the same? JFNM Survey 30
Migration Patterns Fully 87% of Jews in New Mexico report that they moved to New Mexico, while 12% report that they were born in New Mexico. Those more likely to live in New Mexico for less than five years include Conservative Jews, non-members of a synagogue, those age 18-34, those without children and those who are unmarried. Those who have been in New Mexico for 6-20 years are more likely to include Orthodox/Chabad Jews, those age 35-54 and those with children. Those in New Mexico 20 years+ include Renewal/Reconstructionist Jews, members of a synagogue, those age 55+ and those with no children. 80% 60% 40% 35% 20% 12% 7% 12% 12% 20% 0% Born in NM Moved, within past year Moved, 2-5 years Moved, 6-10 years Moved, 11-20 years Moved, 20 years or more Q30. Were you born in New Mexico, or did you move here? Q31. How long have you lived in New Mexico? Q32. From where did you move to New Mexico? JFNM Survey 31
Plan to Remain in NM We also see that 72% of Jews in New Mexico are planning to remain in New Mexico for the foreseeable future, while 17% are considering moving away in the next few years and 11% are unsure of their plans. Those most likely to say they are considering moving or are unsure include Orthodox/Chabad Jews, those age 18-34, those who are unmarried and those who have been in New Mexico for less than 6 years. Remaining in NM, 72% Considering moving away, 17% Not sure, 11% Q33. Do you plan to remain in New Mexico for the foreseeable future, or are you considering moving away in the next few years? JFNM Survey 32
Marital Status A majority (59%) of Jews in New Mexico are married, while 15% have never been married, 13% have been divorced, 6% are living with a partner and 5% are widowers. 80% IF MARRIED/PARTNER Spouse is Jewish, 63% Spouse not Jewish, 34% 60% 40% 20% 0% 59% Married 6% Living with partner 15% Never been married 13% 5% 2% Divorced Widowed Not sure Spouse raised Jewish, 70% IF JEWISH SPOUSE Not Sure, 3% Converted, 22% Other, 6% Q34. Are you currently married, living with a partner, divorced, separated, widowed, or have you never been married? Q35. IF MARRIED: And does your spouse or partner consider themselves Jewish, in terms of religion, culture or background? Q36: IF JEWISH: Was your spouse raised Jewish or did they convert to Judaism? JFNM Survey 33
Marital Status Nearly two-thirds of those who are married (63%) say their spouse or partner is Jewish, while 34% say their spouse is not; another 3% say they are unsure/prefer not to say. Furthermore, 70% of those who are married to someone Jewish say their spouse was raised Jewish, while 22% say their spouse converted (and 7% say other or not sure ). Those most likely to be married to someone raised Jewish include Orthodox/Chabad and Conservative Jews, synagogue members, those 65+ and those in NM for 10 years or less. Those most likely to be married to a non-jew include Renewal/Reconstructionist and no or other denomination, those who are not members of a synagogue, those in NM for over 10 years and women (while men are more likely to be married to someone who converted). Q34. Are you currently married, living with a partner, divorced, separated, widowed, or have you never been married? Q35. IF MARRIED: And does your spouse or partner consider themselves Jewish, in terms of religion, culture or background? Q36: IF JEWISH: Was your spouse raised Jewish or did they convert to Judaism? JFNM Survey 34
Children Under 18 Overall, 26% of Jews in New Mexico have children under the age of 18 in their household. Nationally, 33% report having children under the age of 18. A majority of Jews in New Mexico with children between the ages of 2-18 (56%) say that they have a child currently participating in a formal Jewish education program, while 44% say they do not. No children, 73% Have children under 18, 26% IF CHILDREN AGE 2-18 Children participate in Jewish education, 56% Do not participate, 44% Age Oldest child 2 nd oldest child <2 9% 6% 2-5 21 28 6-9 19 28 10-12 18 22 13-18 35 17 Q37. Do you currently have any children under the age of 18 living in your household? Q38. ASK FOR EACH CHILD: How old is the oldest child? And the next oldest? Q39. Do any of your children currently participate in a formal Jewish educational program, such as Jewish Day school, Hebrew School or Sunday school? JFNM Survey 35
County A majority of New Mexico s Jewish population lives in Bernalillo County (55%), with another 6% in Sandoval County. Another 23% reside in Santa Fe County, while 6% are in Doña Ana County and 3% are in Taos County. We found at least 1 individual (between.1%-1% of the total of the survey) in Catron, Cibola, Colfax, Curry, Eddy, Grant, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, McKinley, Mora, Otero, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, San Juan, Socorro, Sierra, Torrance, Union, Valencia Bernalillo 55% Santa Fe 23% Doña Ana Sandoval Taos Chaves Los Alamos 6% 6% 3% 1% 1% San Miguel 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% JFNM Survey 36
Other Demographics Education HS Graduate 8% Two year degree 6% Four year degree 28 Graduate or professional degree Income <$19,999 per yr 6 $20-$49,999 17 $50-$74,999 13 $75-$99,999 14 $100-$149,999 14 $150,000 or more 16 Prefer not to say 18 58 Race/Ethnic Background White 89% Other 4 Hispanic 2 Multi-racial 2 Consider self Hispanic, Latino or of Spanish Origin Yes 5% No 94% Larimer Humane Society 37
Conclusions & Next Steps 38
Conclusions: Challenges Younger Jews feeling disengaged, wanting to leave NM Orthodox/Chabad communities Older Jews who do not feel the need for spirituality and prayer Many came to retire, the Jewish community is what they did in their previous life Exception seems to be Renewal/Reconstructionist movements Geographic isolation These are in addition to the challenges faced by Jews nationally (falling levels of religiosity generally, high rates of intermarriage, declining attachment to Israel, etc.) JFNM Survey 39
Conclusions: Opportunities Importance of spirituality to younger Jews Background, upbringing for middle-age/older Jews Need for connection vs. a need for services? Involvement in Jewish life, if not in Jewish community (Seder) Social, personal connections seem critical JFNM Survey 40
Next Steps Publicizing the survey Respondents should get results Focus Groups Strategic Plan JFNM Survey 41