Greater Washington Jewish Community Insights - Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

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Greater Washington Jewish Community Insights

Community Pulse: Jewish Life in Greater Washington

How Jewish life is experienced across Greater Washington

What does Jewish life look like right now in our region? The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington partnered with Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) on a Community Pulse Survey, part of a 14-community national research project. The survey offers a snapshot of how Jewish adults across Greater Washington are engaging with Jewish life, where they feel connected, and what can make participation harder.

Key Findings
What We’re Hearing
What People Need Right Now

Key Findings

Drawing on responses from 1,349 Jewish adults across Greater Washington, the Community Pulse survey highlights both strong engagement and clear gaps in connection. The findings offer insight into where Jewish life is working well and where people are looking for more access, support, and connection.

Father lights shabbat candles with children

Engagement

72% of respondents are engaged in Jewish life to some degree, though only 18% describe themselves as very engaged.

Engagement is strongest in Lower Montgomery County and lowest among adults under 35 in Northern Virginia and DC proper. Women and married individuals report higher engagement than men and unmarried individuals.

Satisfaction

55% of respondents are satisfied with the Jewish community. 82% of engaged respondents are satisfied, compared to 32% of those not engaged.

Avodah Jewish Service Corps group sitting together outside

Desire for Deeper Connection

Judaism feels meaningful to 72% of respondents, and 78% report having Jewish friends. Still, 54% say they want to be more engaged, especially younger adults in Northern Virginia and DC proper.

Barriers to Participation

Cost is the most frequently cited barrier to participation (81%), followed by geographic distance and expectations around giving. Synagogue membership and Jewish or Israel travel are most affected by affordability.

Group of people stand together, facing away, with the Israeli flag draped on them

Connection to Israel

68% of respondents feel emotionally attached to Israel. At the same time, 69% say they sometimes struggle with the actions of Israel’s government.

What We’re Hearing

Respondents often describe becoming more involved through family milestones, synagogue relationships, and in response to antisemitism and the events of October 7.

Others report stepping back due to political or social tensions, life stage changes, or competing priorities—even while maintaining a strong sense of Jewish identity.

What People Need Right Now

The survey shows that many people want Jewish life to feel more accessible and more connected to their everyday lives. Younger adults are especially looking for meaningful ways to engage, while others are seeking opportunities that feel closer to home and easier to navigate.

Across the region, respondents point to the need for lower financial barriers, stronger connection in Northern Virginia and D.C., and clearer pathways to programs, services, and support. There is also interest in spaces that welcome a range of perspectives on Israel and Jewish identity, while strengthening relationships and community trust.

These findings help guide how Federation supports connection, reduces barriers, and strengthens Jewish life across Greater Washington.

Want to dig deeper?

Explore the full Community Pulse report for detailed findings, regional comparisons, and insights into Jewish life across Greater Washington.

Request the full report

The 2017 Greater Washington Jewish Community Study offers a detailed portrait of Jewish life across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Commissioned by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and conducted by Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, the study provides essential data to help guide our community's growth, planning, and investment. Though the data is from 2017, it remains a valuable resource in understanding key trends in Jewish identity, engagement, education, and demographics across our region.