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.
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.
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.
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
The Jewish population in New York is 8.8%
There are 5.8 million Jewish people in the United States
The Jewish population in South Dakota is 0%
There are 50,000 Living Holocaust survivors in the United States. The youngest are in their 70s
Jewish Groups:
35% Reform
30% No Denomination
18% Conservative
10% Orthodox
6% Other
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
Jewish Culture Infographic
Share what you have learned about Jewish Culture. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (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. 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!