Community Reports and Presentations

Jewish Community Study Data Relevant to Jewish Education: 2008 Summary

These slides were presented by Dr. Ira Sheskin to the Association of Directors of Central Agencies for Jewish Education in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in February 2008. The purpose of this two-hour session was to familiarize the directors with the types of data available from Jewish demographic studies that have implications for Jewish education.

Connections and Journeys, 2003 revsion

Connections and Journeys: Assessing Critical Opportunities for Enhancing Jewish Identity (PDF) was written by Bethamie Horowitz in 2000, and revised in 2003. This study was funded by the Jewish Continuity Commission of UJA-Federation of New York and examined the Jewish identification of Jews living in New York.

How Jewish Communities Differ, by Ira Sheskin, 2001

Finally, 45 of the best studies have been compiled in one book, with more than 120 easy-to-understand tables and commentary on everything from Jewish education and religiosity to philanthropy and social service needs. Learn how these numbers compare to one another and how the comparisons can help you better understand your community. More Information about Ira Sheskin's Book...

Florida Demographics Reports

We have issues of the Florida Jewish Demography Newsletter, published by Ira Sheskin at the University of Miami from March 1988, December 1988, June 1989, December 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996.

We also have an article by Ira Sheskin titled The Jews of South Florida, published in South Florida, Winds of Change (Washington, D.C.: Association of American Geographers) (1991) pp. 163-180. Note that although the basic concepts in this article are still relevant, the reader is urged to consult the more current reports found on our community page particularly the Florida Community Comparison 2007 presentation.

Estimating the Number of Jews in the Service Area of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County: Lesson for all Jewish Communities, 1990

Estimating the Number of Jews in the Service Area of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County (PDF) was written by Dr. Ira M. Sheskin and published by the Council of Jewish Federations in October 1990. In this article he provides one set of methodologies by which the Jewish population of a South Florida community was enumerated. The unique aspect of population estimating in Sunbelt communities is also explored in this report. Dr. Sheskin provides lessons for other communities based on the application of the methodologies used in Palm Beach County.

Miami Jewish Educators Study, 1988

Miami Jewish Educators Study (PDF), presented by Ira Sheskin examined how Jewish schools in Dade County could have more success retaining teachers. Teachers at each Jewish school, including day schools, synagogue schools, and early childhood education programs completed a questionnaire concerning demographics, religiosity, job description, job satisfaction and continuing education.