American JewsEdit
American Jews form a core part of the American story, a diverse community that has shaped politics, culture, economics, and civic life while maintaining a distinct religious and ethnic identity. Roughly 7 to 8 million people in the United States identify with Judaism to some degree, representing about 2% of the population. The community is not monolithic: it encompasses a spectrum from strictly observant to culturally Jewish, with substantial variation in language, customs, and affiliation. The largest concentrations are in the New York metropolitan area, along with substantial communities in Los Angeles and Miami, with enduring presence in many other major cities across the country. Judaism has adapted to American life while preserving core practices, holidays, and rituals, and has built a dense network of synagogues, day schools, charities, and cultural institutions.
History
The American Jewish story begins with a mix of Sephardic and later Ashkenazi arrivals who sought religious liberty, economic opportunity, and safety from persecution. Early communities established charitable and religious organizations, and by the 19th century Jews began to participate more fully in public life even as they faced discrimination. The great wave of German-speaking Jews in the mid- to late-1800s gave way to large-scale arrivals from eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many fleeing pogroms and hardship. The experience of immigration, assimilation, and upward mobility shaped a distinctive American Jewish identity that prioritized education, communal philanthropy, and civic engagement. The Holocaust and the founding of the state of Israel further cemented a sense of Jewish continuity and a commitment to Jewish safety and national self-determination. In the postwar era, American Jews became prominent in business, science, the arts, and public service, while maintaining a robust network of institutions that supported religious practice, education, and charitable work. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw growth in secular and culturally Jewish identities, ongoing debates over religion and ritual, and renewed attention to Israel–diaspora relations. See also Ashkenazi and Sephardi Judaism for the diversity within American Jewish life.
Demographics and community life
Today’s American Jewish community is diverse across denominations and practice levels. Orthodox communities are centered in neighborhoods across major metropolitan areas, while many Jews participate in Reform, Conservative, or Reconstructionist congregations, or identify as secular or cultural Jews. Education remains a cornerstone: day schools, Hebrew schools, and university programs contribute to high college attendance rates and notable representation in professional fields. The community sustains a dense network of federations, philanthropies, and social-service organizations that support not only Jewish life but also interfaith and civic initiatives. The topic of intermarriage is a frequent point of discussion within the community, with ongoing debate about how to balance openness to broader American society with the desire to preserve Jewish continuity. See intermarriage for more background and American Jewish Committee or Anti-Defamation League for contemporary policy engagement on civil rights and security.
Religion, culture, and identity
Judaism in America encompasses a broad spectrum of religious expression and practice. Judaism provides liturgical and ethical frameworks, while many Jews participate in cultural life—music, literature, theater, and food traditions—that reinforce a shared sense of Jewish identity even where religious observance is moderate. Hebrew language education and Israel-related programs are common across communities, with many families maintaining strong ties to Israel through travel, philanthropy, and political support. The American Jewish experience also reflects the influence of immigrant paths: Ashkenazi traditions from central and eastern Europe, Sephardi and Mizrahi influences from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and a growing interest in diverse Jewish expressions within the United States. See also Yiddish for historical linguistic heritage and Hebrew for liturgical language.
Politics and public life
American Jews have played a prominent role in public life and policy debates. The community has a long history of involvement in civil rights, democracy, and charitable service, along with a strong emphasis on education, economic opportunity, and personal responsibility. Israel’s security and the U.S.–Israel relationship have been central concerns for many Jewish organizations and activists, with influential lobbying groups and think tanks shaping policy conversations in Washington and state capitals. Notable institutions include AIPAC and alternative voices such as J Street that encourage different approaches to Middle East policy within the diaspora. Within American politics, Jewish voters and donors have traditionally tilted toward liberal and centrist approaches, while geographic shifts and generational changes have produced a more nuanced political landscape in some suburban and reform-minded communities. See also National Jewish Democratic Council and Republican Jewish Coalition for examples of organized political participation.
Controversies and debates within the community often center on balancing security, religious liberty, and integration with broader American life. Intermarriage and assimilation are debated in terms of preserving continuity of Jewish life versus embracing a pluralistic society that welcomes interfaith families. Debates about Israel policy—settlement issues, the two-state framework, security concerns, and the appropriate balance between strong U.S. support and humanitarian considerations—reflect a range of views, even as a shared commitment to Israel’s welfare remains a common thread. Critics of certain campus or cultural trends argue that introspection and resilience in the face of antisemitism are more productive than broad cultural critiques sometimes labeled as identity politics; supporters of liberal or progressive approaches often emphasize social justice, pluralism, and civil rights as essential to a healthy American democracy. From a broad, pragmatic viewpoint, the core aim is to protect Jewish life, foster opportunity, and maintain a robust, lawful society where religious liberty is protected and individuals can pursue their own paths.
Israel and the diaspora
The bond between American Jews and Israel remains a defining element of community life. Diaspora communities contribute through philanthropy, aliyah programs, and advocacy, while many American Jews view Israel as a central strategic and moral concern. Policy debates within the diaspora often include discussions about national security, settlement policy, refugee issues, and the pursuit of peace with neighboring states, all framed within a wider commitment to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. See also Israel and Diaspora for more on these connections and the varied perspectives within the community.
Culture, learning, and philanthropy
A robust culture of learning and philanthropy supports a wide array of institutions, from day schools and yeshivas to universities, museums, and cultural centers. Endowments and federations channel resources to social service programs, disaster relief, and support for vulnerable populations, reflecting a long-standing emphasis on charity and communal responsibility. The federation network and major Jewish foundations have funded medical research, education, and public policy initiatives that extend beyond Jewish life, illustrating the community’s engagement with broader American society.