Jewish Numbers in the United States

Did you know that Israel has 40.6%of the world’s Jewish population, and the US has 40.3% according to a 2006 survey found at http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/jewpop.html?

Did you know that the Jewish population in the United States is about 2% and has remained steady since 1990? It is split about equal between Reform at 41.4% and Conservative at 40.4%. By comparison, the projected numbers on non-religious people in mid 2000 was expected to be at 8.8%, and Muslims at 1.4% according to http://www.faqs.org/faqs/judaism/FAQ/02-Who-We-Are/section-22.html.

While researching Jewish and interfaith statistics, I came across this interesting article on Interfaith marriages. The article quotes a 2000-2001 National Jewish Population Study that reports 47% intermarriage rate for Jews who wed between 1996-2001. This up considerably from the previous decade, check out the article at http://www.interfaithfamily.com/news_and_opinion/outreach_success_stories/New_Numbers_New_Intermarriage_Initiatives.shtml?rd=2

Interfaith Resources – Interfaithfamily.com

A useful website on all ages and stages of Judaism is http://www.InterfaithFamily.com, with resources on interdating, marriage, parenting, Shabbat, December holidays, Passover and Easter, death and morning, spirituality, news to name just a few.

Interfaith Resources – Judaic Gifts

Mitzvah Tree Gifts, located at The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia located at 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, is home to a variety of Judaic gifts for all ages. They change their displays to coordinate for the seasons and as such it is a great place to look around , especially for those of us new to all things Jewish. I stopped in there frequently after attending a Mother’s Circle class and my son and I enjoyed looking at all of the children’s items for each holidays. I added to our book collection with books on Purim and The Goodnight Shma , as well as some Jewish children’s music and a pair of Shabbat candlesticks. Find them right inside the JCC or online at http://www.mitzvahtreegifts.com. They are on summer hours now, so check out their website for exact days and times of operation.

Interfaith Resources –Shalom Baby

This is something I wish I had known about when my son was born – a “Welcome to Our World” kit for new parents, newborns and newly adopted children in the Greater Washington Jewish community. “Shalom Baby” welcome bags include wonderful Jewish resources – a Jewish holiday board book, Jewish children’s music, an Alef-bet placemat as well as an immunization guide, coupons and other useful information. To find out more about Shalom Baby, contact Beth Felsen, Northern Virginia Engagement Coordinator at 703-537-3012 or email her at BethF@jccnv.org.

Interfaith Resources –The Jewish Community Center

The local Jewish Community Center is another obvious resource, but one that I did not explore until taking my Mother’s Circle classes. They offer tours, and it is a great way to learn about the many resources they offer – fitness classes, religious and language classes, teen and senior programs, fine arts classes, childcare, preschool and more. I enjoyed reading over the packet of information and looking at the brochures for various organizations – summer camps, Jewish film festivals, Jewish information and referral services, and more! The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia is located at 8900 Little River Turnpike, in Fairfax. Find them on line at http://www.jccnv.org or call them at 703-323-0880.