The two countries with the greatest shares of the world's Jewish population are the United States and Israel. The United States had been a hub of Jewish immigration since the nineteenth century, as Jewish people sought to escape persecution in Europe by emigrating across the Atlantic. The Jewish population in the U.S. is largely congregated in major urban areas, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with the New York metropolitan area being the city with the second largest Jewish population worldwide, after Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel is the world's only officially Jewish state, having been founded in 1948 following the first Arab-Israeli War. While Jews had been emigrating to the holy lands since the nineteenth century, when they were controlled by the Ottoman Empire, immigration increased rapidly following the establishment of the state of Israel. Jewish communities in Eastern Europe who had survived the Holocaust saw Israel as a haven from persecution, while the state encouraged immigration from Jewish communities in other regions, notably the Middle East & North Africa. Smaller Jewish communities remain in Europe in countries such as France, the UK, and Germany, and in other countries which were hotspots for Jewish migration in the twentieth century, such as Canada and Argentina.

This statistic shows the top 25 countries in the world with the largest number of Jewish population in 2010. In 2010, there were living about 5.7 million Jews in the United States.

The world's Jewish population has had a complex and tumultuous history over the past millennia, regularly dealing with persecution, pogroms, and even genocide. The legacy of expulsion and persecution of Jews, including bans on land ownership, meant that Jewish communities disproportionately lived in urban areas, working as artisans or traders, and often lived in their own settlements separate to the rest of the urban population. This separation contributed to the impression that events such as pandemics, famines, or economic shocks did not affect Jews as much as other populations, and such factors came to form the basis of the mistrust and stereotypes of wealth (characterized as greed) that have made up anti-Semitic rhetoric for centuries. Development since the Middle Ages The concentration of Jewish populations across the world has shifted across different centuries. In the Middle Ages, the largest Jewish populations were found in Palestine and the wider Levant region, with other sizeable populations in present-day France, Italy, and Spain. Later, however, the Jewish disapora became increasingly concentrated in Eastern Europe after waves of pogroms in the west saw Jewish communities move eastward. Poland in particular was often considered a refuge for Jews from the late-Middle Ages until the 18th century, when it was then partitioned between Austria, Prussia, and Russia, and persecution increased. Push factors such as major pogroms in the Russian Empire in the 19th century and growing oppression in the west during the interwar period then saw many Jews migrate to the United States in search of opportunity.

The data reported here are from the 2000 Annual Survey of American Jewish Opinion, sponsored by the American Jewish Committee, detailing the views of American Jews about a broad range of subjects. Among the topics covered in the present survey are the Israel-Arab peace process, the attachment of American Jews to Israel, political and social issues in the United States, Jewish perceptions of anti-Semitism, Jewish opinion about various countries, and Jewish identity concerns. Some of the questions appearing in the survey are new; others are drawn from previous American Jewish Committee surveys, including the 1997, 1998, and 1999 Annual Surveys of American Jewish Opinion. The 2000 survey was conducted for the American Jewish Committee by Market Facts, Inc., a leading survey-research organization. Respondents were interviewed by telephone during September 14-28, 2000; no interviewing took place on the Sabbath. The sample consisted of 1,010 self-identified Jewish respondents selected from the Market Facts consumer mail panel. The respondents are demographically representative of the United States adult Jewish population on a variety of measures. (AJC 3/4/2015).

Please Note: This dataset is part of the historical CISER Data Archive Collection and is also available at the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at https://doi.org/10.25940/ROPER-31094161. We highly recommend using the Roper Center version as they may make this dataset available in multiple data formats in the future.

The Pew Research Center Survey of U.S. Jews 2013 is a comprehensive national survey of the Jewish population. The survey explores attitudes, beliefs, practices and experiences of Jews living in the United States. There are two datasets, a respondent dataset (where there is one row per respondent) and a household dataset (where there is one row per person in the sampled households). The respondent dataset includes all of the information collected as part of the survey. The household dataset is a reshaped version of the respondent dataset that includes a limited number of variables describing the demographic characteristics and Jewish status of all of the people in the surveyed households.

Among the topics covered are the war against terrorism and Iraq; the Israel-Arab conflict; the attachment of American Jews to Israel; transatlantic relations; political and social issues in the United States; Jewish perceptions of anti-Semitism; and Jewish identity concerns. Some of the questions appearing in the survey are new, others are drawn from previous AJC surveys conducted annually since 1997. The 2003 survey was conducted for AJC by Market Facts, a leading survey-research organization. Respondents were interviewed by telephone between November 25 and December 11. The sample consisted of 1,000 self-identifying Jewish respondents selected from the Market Facts consumer mail panel. The respondents are demographically representative of the U.S. adult Jewish population on a variety of measures. (AJC 3/4/2015)

Please Note: This dataset is part of the historical CISER Data Archive Collection and is also available at the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at https://doi.org/10.25940/ROPER-31094163. We highly recommend using the Roper Center version as they may make this dataset available in multiple data formats in the future.

According to a survey conducted in 2022, 70 percent of Americans said that it was mostly or somewhat true that Jews stick together more than other Americans in the United States. 53 percent also agreed that it was mostly or somewhat true that Jews in business go out of their way to hire other Jews.

The 1996 American Jewish Committee Religious Right Survey was designed by the American Jewish Committee and the Gallup International Institute with advice from academic experts (John Green, Ohio State University; Chris Smith, University of North Carolina; and Tom W. Smith, National Opinion Research Center, University of Chicago). The purpose of this study was to gauge and compare the social and political views of the Religious Right with the larger U.S. population. The Survey was conducted during May and June, 1996, under the direction of the Gallup International Institute, using a random sample of telephone numbers. The survey consists of 2 parts: a cross-sectional sample of 572 respondents and an oversample of aligners with the Religious Right of 438. Combined with the 69 aligners from the cross-sectional sample this produces a total sample of 507 Religious Right aligners and 503 other Americans.

This statistic shows the denominational affiliation of Jewish community members in the United States, as of January 2017. 28 percent of Jews identified with the Reform movement while 29 percent considered themselves to be "just Jewish"

Among the topics covered in the present survey are the consequences of the September 11 terrorist attack on the United States, the Israel-Arab peace process, the attachment of American Jews to Israel, political and social issues in the United States, Jewish perceptions of anti-Semitism, Jewish opinion about various countries, and Jewish identity concerns. Some of the questions appearing in the survey are new; others are drawn from previous American Jewish Committee surveys, including the Annual Surveys of American Jewish Opinion carried out in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. The 2001 survey was conducted for the American Jewish Committee by Market Facts, Inc., a leading survey-research organization. Respondents were interviewed by telephone during November 19 - December 4, 2001; no interviewing took place on the Sabbath. The sample consisted of 1,015 self-identified Jewish respondents selected from the Market Facts consumer mail panel. The respondents are demographically representative of the United States adult Jewish population on a variety of measures. (AJC 3/4/2015)

Please Note: This dataset is part of the historical CISER Data Archive Collection and is also available at the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at https://doi.org/10.25940/ROPER-31094162. We highly recommend using the Roper Center version as they may make this dataset available in multiple data formats in the future.

In 1995, Israel had a Jewish population of approximately 4.5 million people, of whom approximately 1.75 million were born abroad. Over one million of these immigrants were born in Europe, with over 650,000 of these born in the former Soviet Union. Despite Poland having the largest Jewish population in the world in the pre-WWII years, the number of Polish Jewish migrants and descendents in Israel was relatively small in 1995 when compared to the USSR due to the impact of the Holocaust.

Outside of Europe, Morocco had the largest number of Jewish immigrants and descendents in Israel by 1995. Morocco had the largest Jewish population in the Muslim world when Israel was founded in 1948, with over 250,000 people. Many Moroccan Jews sought to emigrate to Israel at this time, but often faced resistance from authorities and local populations who believed the Jews would join in the fight against the Arab forces seeking to establish a Muslim state in Palestine. The government of Morocco then officially prohibited emigration to Israel after gaining independence from France in 1956, however this policy was reversed in 1961 whereby the Moroccan government began facilitating Jewish emigration to Israel in return for payments from Jewish organizations in the U.S. and Israel. By the 1970s, Morocco's Jewish population had fallen to less than 15 percent of its size in 1948.

Attitude to Jews and other minorities. Topics: Attitude to West Germans/East Germans, gipsies, Arabs, Vietnamese, Turks, Poles, Africans and Jews as neighbors; provocative behavior by these population groups; judgement on protection of foreigners by authorities; judgement on the influence of large concerns, trade unions, media, banks, Americans, Japanese, churches and Jews on society; assessment of antisemitism in Germany and expected development in the next few years; attitude to a Jewish candidate for Federal President; judgement on the influence of Jews on world events; significance of the term Holocaust as well as Auschwitz, Dachau, Treblinka; Auschwitz as lie or truth; knowledge about the number of Jews killed in the Holocaust as well as population groups persecuted by the Nazis; knowledge about the star of David; attitude to a Holocaust Memorial; importance of knowledge about National Socialist perscution of Jews for Germans; perceived exploitation of the Holocaust for personal intents by Jews; attitude to considering finished the topic of persecution of Jews in the past; religious denomination; party preference; interest in politics; union membership; behavior at the polls in the last Federal Parliament election.

This study, designed and carried out by the "http://www.asarb.org/" Target="_blank">Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies (ASARB), compiled data on 372 religious bodies by county in the United States. Of these, the ASARB was able to gather data on congregations and adherents for 217 religious bodies and on congregations only for 155. Participating bodies included 354 Christian denominations, associations, or communions (including Latter-day Saints, Messianic Jews, and Unitarian/Universalist groups); counts of Jain, Shinto, Sikh, Tao, Zoroastrian, American Ethical Union, and National Spiritualist Association congregations, and counts of congregations and adherents from Baha'i, three Buddhist groupings, two Hindu groupings, four Jewish groupings, and Muslims. The 372 groups reported a total of 356,642 congregations with 161,224,088 adherents, comprising 48.6 percent of the total U.S. population of 331,449,281. Membership totals were estimated for some religious groups.

In January 2024, the ARDA added 21 religious tradition (RELTRAD) variables to this dataset. These variables start at variable #12 (TOTCNG_2020). Categories were assigned based on pages 88-94 in the original "https://www.usreligioncensus.org/index.php/node/1638" Target="_blank">2020 U.S. Religion Census Report.

Visit the "https://www.thearda.com/us-religion/sources-for-religious-congregations-membership-data" Target="_blank">frequently asked questions page for more information about the ARDA's religious congregation and membership data sources.

This database, including both datasets and spatial shape files, contains information on occupation, school attendance, nativity, and race of the Boston population, by ward, for the years 1880, 1900, and 1930. This database can be used to visualize the profound changes in the economic, educational, and ethnic composition of Boston between 1880 and 1930. It illustrates, among other changes, the great expansion of secondary school enrollment, the decline of youth participation in the work force, the growth of white-collar jobs, the decline of unskilled labor, and the geographical distribution of the Boston Irish, Italian, Jewish, and African-American populations over time. This contextual knowledge is useful for historians researching this time period, and useful to non-historians by depicting the origins of fundamental changes whose legacy is still present in Boston today. The underlying data are drawn from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series maintained by the University of Minnesota (see documentation for full citation). The data contained here can also be viewed through an interactive map hosted by BostonMap (http://worldmap.harvard.edu/maps/historical_boston).

This study, designed and carried out by the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies (ASARB), compiled data on the number of congregations and adherents for 236 religious groups in each county of the United States. Participants included 217 Christian denominations, associations, or communions (including Latter-day Saints, Messianic Jews, and Unitarian/Universalist groups); counts of Jain, Shinto, Sikh, Tao and National Spiritualist Association congregations, and counts of congregations and adherents from Bahá'ís, three Buddhist groupings, four Hindu groupings, four Jewish groupings, Muslims and Zoroastrians. The 236 groups reported a total of 344,894 congregations with 150,686,156 adherents, comprising 48.8 percent of the total U.S. population of 308,745,538 in 2010.

Visit the "/us-religion/sources-for-religious-congregations-membership-data" Target="_blank">frequently asked questions page for more information about the ARDA's religious congregation and membership data.

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Kosher Foods Market Size 2025-2029

The kosher foods market size is forecast to increase by USD 16.5 billion, at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. The rise in Jewish and Muslim populations worldwide is driving demand for kosher-certified food products. Additionally, the increasing popularity of private labels and ethical labels is attracting consumers seeking transparency and authenticity. Meat substitutes, such as tofu and meat alternatives, are gaining traction as consumers look for more sustainable and ethical food options. Seafood, another major category in the market, is benefiting from the growing trend of consumers preferring healthier food choices. Furthermore, the demand for gluten-free food and energy drinks with kosher certification is on the rise. Intense competition from halal foods, however, poses a challenge to the market growth. Overall, the market is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and consumer preferences.

What will be the Size of the Kosher Foods Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses a diverse range of food products adhering to Jewish dietary regulations. This market caters to consumers seeking healthier options, with a growing emphasis on allergen-free food and ethical sourcing. The demand for vegan kosher foods is also on the rise, aligning with broader trends in plant-based diets. Kosher foods are produced under strict supervision, ensuring the separation of milk and animal products. Hypermarkets, grocery stores, online platforms, and specialty stores serve as key distribution channels for this market. Major product categories include seafood, meat, dairy products, beverages, dietary supplements, and a wide array of packaged goods such as pasta, bread, cereals, juices, frozen meals, and packaged snacks. Buckwheat and other alternative grains have gained popularity due to their inclusion in kosher diets. Overall, the market exhibits strong growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness and adherence to dietary preferences and ethical considerations.

How is this Kosher Foods Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The kosher foods industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Kosher pareve
  Kosher meat
  Kosher dairy


Distribution Channel

  Supermarkets and hypermarkets
  Grocery stores
  Online stores


End-user

  Household consumers
  Food service industry
  Food processing industry


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil


  APAC

By Product Insights

The kosher pareve segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The kosher pareve market encompasses a range of food products that adhere to Jewish dietary regulations, excluding meat and dairy. These neutral foods, which can be consumed with meat and dairy, include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, tofu, plant proteins, confectionery products, beverages, and dietary supplements. Strict adherence to kosher standards mandates careful inspection of fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts for bugs, insects, or larvae. Eggs, too, must be free of blood spots to be considered kosher. Pareve products cater to various consumer groups, such as health-conscious individuals, vegetarians, and those with celiac disorders or lactose intolerance. This segment also includes snacks, savory dishes, bakery items, and culinary products. The pareve market serves both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, with offerings available at grocery stores, hypermarkets, and online platforms. Examples of pareve foods are buckwheat, seafood, lamb, pulses, juices, frozen meals, packaged snacks, and baked goods.

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The kosher pareve segment was valued at USD 13.80 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American market holds the largest share in the global consumption of kosher foods, with the US and Canada being the key contributors. While the Jewish community is the primary consumer base, the Muslim population in the US also favors ko

According to a survey conducted in 2022, ** percent of Jewish Americans said that they made 100,000 U.S. dollars or more in the United States. In comparison, ** percent of Muslim Americans said that they made less than 30,000 U.S. dollars.

This paper examines the long-term direct and spillover effects of large-scale human capital loss caused by the persecution of Jewish professionals in Nazi Germany. Using region-by-cohort variation in the percentage of the Jewish population as a quasi-experiment, we find that German children who were at school-age during the persecutions have fewer years of schooling on average in adulthood. Moreover, these children are less likely to finish high school and go to college. These results are robust after controlling for regional unemployment and income per capita, wartime destruction, Nazi and Communist Party support, compulsory schooling reform, migration, urbanization, and mortality. (JEL I21, I28, J24, J44, N34, N44, Z12)

Kosher Beef Market Outlook

The global kosher beef market size was estimated to be approximately USD 8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 12.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the forecast period. The growth of the kosher beef market can be attributed to rising consumer awareness about the benefits of kosher food, which is perceived as being cleaner, healthier, and adhering to stricter quality standards compared to conventional food products. This perception has led to an increase in demand not only among Jewish consumers but also among non-Jewish consumers who are interested in the perceived health benefits and quality assurance that kosher certifications provide.

One of the primary growth factors in the kosher beef market is the increasing demand for high-quality, ethically sourced meat products. Kosher beef meets strict dietary laws and is slaughtered using humane practices, which appeal to a growing number of consumers who are concerned about animal welfare. Furthermore, kosher meat is subject to rigorous inspection and quality checks, providing an added layer of safety and assurance to consumers. This has attracted health-conscious and ethically-minded consumers, expanding the market beyond its traditional Jewish demographic. As consumers globally become more discerning about their food sources, the demand for kosher beef is expected to continue to rise.

Another significant growth factor is the expanding global Jewish population, which inherently drives the demand for kosher products. As the Jewish community grows, particularly in regions like North America and certain parts of Europe, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for kosher foods, including beef. Additionally, the market is further bolstered by cultural and religious practices that necessitate the consumption of kosher foods during Jewish holidays and special occasions. This cultural significance helps sustain the market demand throughout the year, contributing to steady growth prospects for kosher beef producers and retailers.

The rising popularity of specialty diets and the trend towards diverse culinary experiences are also contributing to the growth of the kosher beef market. Consumers are increasingly exploring different food cultures and cuisines, with kosher foods being a part of this trend. Kosher beef, known for its unique preparation and taste, is becoming an attractive choice for food enthusiasts and culinary professionals alike. This is particularly evident in urban areas with diverse demographics, where kosher beef has found its way into gourmet restaurants and specialty foodservice establishments. As a result, the culinary appeal of kosher beef is playing a significant role in expanding its market reach.

The concept of Halal Meat, much like kosher, is rooted in religious dietary laws and has seen a surge in demand globally. Halal meat adheres to Islamic dietary guidelines, ensuring that the meat is not only permissible but also prepared in a manner that is humane and ethical. This includes specific slaughtering practices and a focus on cleanliness and purity. The growing Muslim population worldwide, along with increased awareness among non-Muslim consumers about the ethical and health benefits of halal meat, has contributed to its rising popularity. As consumers become more conscious of their food sources and ethical considerations, the demand for halal meat is expected to continue its upward trajectory, paralleling the growth seen in the kosher market.

From a regional perspective, North America holds a significant share of the kosher beef market, driven by a large Jewish population and a high level of consumer awareness about kosher foods. The United States, in particular, boasts a well-established kosher food industry, which continuously innovates to meet the diverse dietary needs of its population. In contrast, regions like Asia Pacific are witnessing a surge in demand owing to increasing globalization and the spread of Jewish culture and cuisine. Markets in Europe and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to experience growth, albeit at a slower pace, as awareness and availability of kosher products increase. Latin America, while traditionally less exposed to kosher foods, presents untapped potential for growth as consumer preferences evolve.

Product Type Analysis

In the kosher beef market, product type plays a critical role, with fresh, frozen, and processed kosher beef being the prim

The global kosher food market, valued at $31.28 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. The increasing global Jewish population and a rising awareness of kosher dietary practices among non-Jewish consumers contribute significantly to market demand. Growing consumer preference for health-conscious and ethically sourced food products further boosts the sector. The increasing availability of kosher-certified products in mainstream supermarkets and online retailers enhances accessibility and convenience, further driving market growth. Product diversification, including a wider range of meat, dairy, and pareve options tailored to various dietary needs and preferences, is also a critical growth driver. Furthermore, the rise of food delivery services and online grocery platforms facilitate the purchase of kosher food products, reaching consumers beyond traditional retail channels. Despite these favorable trends, the kosher food market faces some challenges. Maintaining consistent kosher certification standards across diverse global supply chains poses significant logistical and operational complexities. Price sensitivity among consumers can also act as a restraint, especially for premium kosher products. Fluctuations in raw material prices and regulatory changes affecting food production and labeling can impact profitability and market stability. However, the ongoing expansion of the kosher food industry into new geographic markets and product categories is expected to overcome these limitations, leading to sustained market growth throughout the forecast period. The competitive landscape is diverse, featuring both established multinational food corporations like Nestle and General Mills alongside smaller, specialized kosher food producers. This dynamic competitive environment fosters innovation and ensures a wide range of choices for consumers.