
JEWISH
CULTURE
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Jewish Culture
The oldest and progenitor of the three Abrahamic religions, Judaism and its associated culture stretch far back into our ancient past. With such a long lineage it comes replete with traditions, rites, and rituals all of which sit at the center of the Jewish Community. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Jewish Culture. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Torah:
Religious text; the Five Books of Moses also called the Old Testament.
Kosher:
Traditional dietary laws that also include how some food should be prepared and processed.
Synagogue (synagog):
House of worship; place for liturgical service, assembly, and study.
Mezuzah:
Symbol placed in a doorway to indicate that it is a Jewish household.
Hebrew:
The language of the Torah and ancient Israel while Yiddish, also called Jewish, is a mix of Hebrew, German, and other languages used by European (Ashkenazi) Jews. English now includes words like chutzpah, mench, and yentah.

Moments In History
586 B.C. - First Temple destroyed by Babylonians.
1763 - The oldest still standing Synagogue is in Rhode Island.
2004 - 350th anniversary of Jewish life in America.
1184-1800s - The Inquisition & Spanish Inquisition.
1940s - The Holocaust & establishment of Israel as a country.
Statistics
New York has an 8.8% Jewish population, according to 2024 statistics from the Jewish Virtual Library.
According to a 2020 report from Pew Research Center, there are 5.8 million Jewish people in the United States.
The Jewish population in South Dakota is 0%, according to 2024 statistics from the Jewish Virtual Library.
In a 2022 article from Atlanta Jewish Times, there are 50,000 living Holocaust survivors in the United States. The youngest are in their 70s.
Jewish Groups include:
35% Reform
30% No Denomination
18% Conservative
10% Orthodox
6% Other,
according to a 2015 report from Pew Research Center.
Values
Tradition & Rituals
Equal Rights

The Ten Commandments
Education
Repairing the World - Social Action/Justice - Tikkun Olam
Notable Names





Louis Dembitz
Brandeis
Ruth Bader
Ginsberg
Irving Berlin
Julius Axelrod
Amar'e Stoudemire
Symbols




Our Events
Future
Past
Further Resources
Celebrate & Create Event Video
Our crafting event for kids was lots of fun! Use your own materials to participate in our craft project. This event was co-facilitated by Mark H. Newhouse, author of The Devil's Bookkeepers. Watch the video to learn how to make your own Shamash Candle! You can also make an event out of it by hosting your own Celebrate & Create: Jewish Culture crafting party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Celebrate & Create Event Video
Our crafting event for kids was lots of fun! Use your own materials to participate in our craft project. This event was co-facilitated by Mark H. Newhouse, author of The Devil's Bookkeepers. Watch the video to learn how to make your own Shamash Candle! You can also make an event out of it by hosting your own Celebrate & Create: Jewish Culture crafting party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action

Attend an event at a Jewish Heritage Center, local college, Holocaust Museum, community center, or synagogue.
Learn about Jewish Americans from history like Julius Axelrod, Sally Priesand, Stan Lee, Sammy Davis Jr., and Isaac Bashevis Singer.

Commit to a weekly act that helps you understand Jewish Culture.

Read, watch, or listen to content from Jewish American creatives.

Share our Jewish Culture Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!