Since 2005 researchers at the Steinhardt Social Research Institute (SSRI) at Brandeis University have been collecting data from hundreds of nationally representative surveys in order to provide one of the most comprehensive, independent sources of data on the Jewish community in the United States. The latest release provides estimates for the continental United States, its states, metropolitan areas, and counties.
As Mark Twain was known to says, lies, damn lies and statistics. The real number is the top number, 4.2 million. Jews by religion, with two parents who are Jewish (I’ll give you if the mother is Jewish, but most of those families are on the way out.) You could count the recently buried as well, I suppose. So it’s really 4.2 and dwindling…except in the Orthodox world. So flash forward 50 years, and if we’re not already all in Israel due to Moshiach, then this country will be let’s say 3 million Jews, 80% Orthodox.
David, you’re right. I’m really wondering, though, about that large non-democratic, non-republican group, that’s certainly a surprise. I wonder if that matches the general American population.