Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies

Building Knowledge of Contemporary Jewry

The Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies incorporates the latest social science techniques in the study of contemporary Jewish life. The Steinhardt Social Research Institute develops reliable quantitative data about the US Jewish population.

Local Jewish Community Studies

Using cutting-edge social science methods, we collect, analyze, and report accurate and actionable data that informs community planning and helps animate Jewish life.

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US Jewish Population Estimates

Our American Jewish Population Project includes a detailed interactive map of the US Jewish population with demographic profiles and political views of Jewish adults for states, metropolitan areas, and counties in the United States.

Birthright Israel Research

Our research on Birthright Israel employs rigorous methods to evaluate Birthright's short-term and long-term impact on Jewish young adults.

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Evaluation Research

From studies of Hillel to synagogues and Jewish camp, we document the impact of core programs and initiatives on Jewish community life.

Recent Research Publications

CMJS Briefing: Implications of Pew 2020 for the Jewish Future

May 14, 2021

This CMJS briefing for the philanthropic community includes selected findings from the Pew 2020 study of American Jews and a discussion of their implications for the US Jewish community.

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American Jewish Population Estimates 2020: Summary and Highlights

March 2021

This report presents the latest estimates from the American Jewish Population Project. AJPP is one of the largest programs of research designed to provide a reliable, independent source of data on the US Jewish population that is useful to researchers, policy makers, and others interested in the study of Jewish Americans.

Socially Distant: Challenges Facing Jewish Young Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic

January 2021

How have US Jewish young adults weathered the COVID-19 pandemic? The report examines the health effects and economic consequences of the pandemic on this population; their levels of concern about police violence, protests, and the presidential election; and the degree to which their concerns shifted over summer 2020. The study also documents how Jewish young adults are managing their mental health and the potential role of the Jewish community in addressing their current needs.

Highlights

Lonely in Lockdown: Predictors of Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties Among Jewish Young Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Contemporary Jewry (2021)

Most Children of Intermarriage are Being Raised Jewish. Their Parents Hope Jewish Institutions Notice. JTA

Pew’s New Study of American Jews Reveals Widening Divides, Worries over Antisemitism, Forward

New Poll: Young US Jews Becoming more Orthodox as American Judaism Splits between Devout and Secular, Washington Post