2024 Community Study

Driven by cutting-edge methodology, social science researchers at Brandeis University's Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies have generated a current-day portrait of characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors reflected by the wide spectrum of Jewish-identifying individuals in Maine. The results are illuminating and will help chart the path toward creating the most inclusive, vibrant, and welcoming Jewish community possible.

We invite you to join the community in embarking upon a journey of learning, reflection, connection, and transformation. We look forward to sharing the journey toward a stronger, better connected, and more dynamic Jewish community ahead.

In 2007, the JCA completed a Jewish Community Study to learn more about the estimated size of the Southern Maine Jewish community and collect demographic information related to levels and types of religious affiliation, age, economic security, and needs and concerns. The results of that study provided the foundation for strategic planning that led to building the new JCA facility, and informed resource allocation for nearly 15 years.

Communities change over time, and studies are usually able to be relied upon for about ten years. It was time for another study that would provide data that reflects the new, post-COVID demographics of our community, and help us to understand its needs. The JCA has therefore contracted with the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies (CMJS) at Brandeis University to complete a 2024 Community Study of the Jewish community in Maine.

The results will allow the JCA and community partners around the state to make informed and data-driven strategic planning decisions for the future and will provide crucial feedback regarding the impact of the community’s structure and current offerings. The goal is to engage the full scope of the Jewish community statewide to work together to envision and build a positive and dynamic future.