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 Southern 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.

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.


History & Background


HELLO WORLD

The 2024 Maine Jewish

Community Study is Here!

The Major Highlights

The Executive Summary

Tuesday, June 10th

Clergy, professionals, and lay leaders from Jewish organizations and congregations throughout the state of Maine are invited to attend a virtual information session led by Dr. Matt Boxer, the researcher from Brandeis who conducted our study.

The Full Report

The Technical Appendices

Tuesday, June 17th

Clergy, professionals, and lay leaders from Jewish organizations and congregations throughout the state of Maine are invited to attend follow-up discussions that will think about the next action steps for our community and put the report into practice.


In-Person Session: TBD

Virtual Session: Tuesday, June 17 | 7PM moderated by Rabbi Erica Asch

(please note that this session is limited to 25 people so everyone can easily see each other on Zoom. Please limit yourself to a maximum of 22 participants per organization.)

Say Hi

Send us an email: jca@mainejewish.org
Visit us in person:  1342 Congress Street, Portland ME 
Give us a call: 207-772-1959

Contact Us

Together with the Center For Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College, the Sam L. Cohen Foundation, and Lisa Gorman, the JCA is so excited to be launching a Maine Jewish Community Study this year!

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Company Name

Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine
Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine
Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine
Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine