Research Areas
Our current research areas include:
Family/Intermarriage/Jewish Education
Transmission of Jewish values occurs primarily through the family and Jewish educational institutions. These research projects examine how factors relating to educational and familial choices influence Jewish identity. Research projects include studies of Jewish camping, day schools, early childhood programs, and intermarriage.
These research projects encompass our studies of Taglit-Birthright Israel as well as evaluations of programs designed to increase awareness of Israel or the field of Israel studies in the United States.
These research projects employ innovative research methods and rigorous scientific analysis to better understanding religious and ethnic makeup in the United States and elsewhere. Population studies include the 2005 Boston Community Study and Reconsidering the Size and Characteristics of the American Jewish Population.
Synagogue and Organization Studies
These research projects examine organizations and the professionals associated with them. Recent cases studies include Hillel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
Numerous programs strive to reach young Jewish adults as one way of ensuring Jewish continuity. Research projects include evaluation of Jewish service learning programs as well as efforts to more broadly understand Jewish campus life and the Jewish connections and involvements of post-college young adults.