2016 Annual Assessment

Twenty-seven percent of U.S. Jews under 18 live in Orthodox households, and two-thirds of Orthodox Jews are Haredim. It is critical to engage Haredi Jews with the mainstream Jewish community. They should be persuaded to assume leadership positions and shoulder part of the responsibility for the future of the Jewish people. Both sides must collaborate despite deep divisions, especially in regard to Women and the LGBT community.

All endeavors should be characterized by mutual respect and every effort should be made to downplay differences and tensions, which are obstacles to cooperation.

The organized Jewish community should approach the spiritual leadership of the Haredi sector for their endorsement of collaborative efforts. The Haredim should be encouraged to assume significant roles in politics, public service, and communal leadership. Internal demographic trends create a real need for the religious community to deal with the challenges faced by the general Jewish community and Israel in addition to specific Haredi concerns.
The Haredi sector should be assisted by the broader Jewish community in developing and implementing programs for serious college preparation (with advanced degrees in mind) and for mid-career management training.

The Jewish People Policy Institue

Action Strategies for the Jewish Future

Annual Assessment 2016
5776