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.
Using cutting-edge social science methods, we collect, analyze, and report accurate and actionable data that informs community planning and helps animate Jewish life.
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.
Our research on Birthright Israel employs rigorous methods to evaluate Birthright's short-term and long-term impact on Jewish young adults.
From studies of Hillel to synagogues and Jewish camp, we document the impact of core programs and initiatives on Jewish community life.
June 2023
The 2022-23 Greater Portland Jewish Community Study is the first in-depth assessment of the size and characteristics of the Jewish community in Greater Portland and Southwest Washington since 2009. The study also includes a separate mini-report for Lane County, the first scientific study ever conducted of the Jewish community in the Eugene area. The study provides a comprehensive portrait of the 56,600 Jews in Greater Portland and Southwest Washington; their families; their Jewish attitudes, affiliations, and behaviors; their health and financial well-being; and other measures of their engagement in Jewish life.
May 2023
The 2021-2022 Long Beach Area Jewish Community Study provides a snapshot of the community and the ways in which members of Long Beach's 17,700 Jewish households engage with Jewish life. The study describes the size and characteristics of the Jewish population and provides data that will effectively guide Jewish organizations as they plan for the next decade serving their community.
May 2023
This report documents the impact of Birthright Israel on the US Jewish young adults who participated in summer 2022 Birthright Israel trips. Given that the trips took place in the context of rising political tensions in the United States and Israel, the report examines whether these dynamics hindered trip participants from developing a strong emotional connection to Israel. Did the program help participants understand the complex political situation in Israel? Did the trip influence how participants see Israel’s political and security situation? Did the program change how participants relate to groups involved in Israel-related activism?