Jewish Continuity and the Canadian Census, by University of Toronto sociologist Robert Brym explores the impact of acculturation on Jewish continuity in Canada. The study examines competing views: one that sees acculturation as weakening Jewish communal life, and another that sees it as enabling Jewish survival in modern societies. Using Canadian census data from 2011 and 2021, the study analyzes whether trends show Jewish continuity or decline in Canada, concluding that while both forces are present, continuity is the dominant trend.
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Selected Findings:
Population Growth and Change (Census 2011-2021):
Total Jewish Population grew from 432,260 in 2011 to 453,980 in 2021, a 5% increase.
Jews by Religion increased by 5,795 (2%), from 329,500 to 335,295.
Jews with No Religion (Cultural/Ethnic Identity Only) rose by 24,390 (44%), from 55,850 to 80,240.
Jews by Ethnicity/Culture with Non-Jewish Religion declined by 8,465 (-18%), from 46,910 to 38,445.
Key Trends Explaining Changes:
Haredi Growth: Haredi Jews (9% of Canadian Jews) grew rapidly due to higher fertility rates, contributing to the slight increase in Jews by religion.
Secularization Surge: Jews identifying culturally but not religiously grew sharply, reflecting broader secularization. By 2021, over 19% of Jews by the standard definition reported no religion, up from 14% in 2011.
Assimilation and Antisemitism Impact: Jews with a non-Jewish religion and weak Jewish ethnic ties declined, likely due to assimilation pressures and possibly increased antisemitism causing marginal Jews to suppress their identity.
Growth of Non-Religious Focused Jewish Organizations:
Dissident Zionist Groups: Membership in organizations critical of Israeli policies but supportive of Israel rose significantly with two of the four listed groups, New Israel Fund of Canada and JSpaceCanada growing significantly. Combined unique followers of all four organizations totaled roughly 13,000 at the end of 2023
Secular Jewish Engagement: Non-religious Jewish community activities have proliferated, including discussion groups, Yiddish circles, and university antisemitism task forces.
Attitudes Towards Israel and Jewish Identity (Surveys 2018–2024):
56% of Canadian Jews believe Israel is moving in the wrong direction (2023).
90% oppose anti-LGBTQ+ laws proposed in Israel.
80% oppose Israeli judicial reforms weakening the Supreme Court.
70% of less religious Jews oppose new West Bank settlements; support peaceful two-state solutions.