Where do we live? How does Judaism shape us? What are our human needs and Jewish dreams? These and other Jewish demographic questions are not trivial.

Chicago’s Jewish community Is growing, committed, and connected. First population study in a decade provides snapshot.

By Linda Haase

A 2010 Chicago Jewish Population study conducted by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago shows a robust, growing and diverse local Jewish community with strong connection to Israel and widespread participation in Jewish education.

This is the fourth Metropolitan Chicago Jewish Population Study. Information is being used and will continue to be available for planning purposes in years to come.

The survey was conducted from March to June 2010 by Jewish Policy and Action Research. It was conducted through random digit dialing of 156,000 telephone numbers, including 25,969 cell phone numbers, and yielded 2,828 Jewish households; 1,993 of those completed interviews. The capacity to reach households with cell phones was important, as increasing segments of the population (especially young adults) are eliminating land lines. The interviews lasted on average 20 minutes. Following is a summary of the survey’s findings. MORE>