The Jewish population of the St. Louis metropolitan area is now estimated at approximately 45,800, according to the 2024 Greater St. Louis Jewish Community Study, set to be released today, March 24. The study, conducted by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University and NORC at the University of Chicago, highlights key demographic and engagement trends within the community.

The latest findings indicate a decline in St. Louis’ Jewish population over the past decade. The 2014 Jewish Federation of St. Louis study had reported a total of 61,000 Jewish residents.

According to Matt Brookner, associate research scientist at the Cohen Center, this shift aligns with broader demographic patterns in the general population.

“We asked people about their plans to move in the next few years and their reasons for doing so,” Brookner said. “Most cited being closer to family or career opportunities. People generally don’t move based on the nature of Jewish communities—they move for economic and social reasons.”

Mapping Jewish life in St. Louis

The comprehensive 176-page study provides insights into where Jewish St. Louisans live, how they engage with Jewish traditions, and what challenges they face. It also serves as a strategic tool for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis to build on strengths and address areas of need.

“We’ve budgeted for follow-up studies that go beyond just the ‘what’ and ‘where’ to explore the ‘why,’” said John Greenberg, co-chair of the community study. “For example, young families are highly engaged in Jewish education, which is crucial. How do we enhance that?”

Jewish engagement: Evolving traditions

The study examines varying levels of Jewish engagement, identifying five distinct patterns:

• Minimally Involved (25%)
• Personal (20%)
• Holiday (30%)
• Communal (12%)
• Ritual (13%)

Those in the Ritual and Holiday categories—many of whom attended Jewish schools or summer camps—report the highest levels of engagement, reinforcing the long-term impact of early Jewish education.

Despite national trends of declining synagogue membership, Jewish involvement in St. Louis remains strong in other ways. While only 42% of Jewish adults are members of a congregation, 64% attended at least one worship service in the past year, and 53% participated in High Holiday services. Chabad centers provide alternative Jewish connections for those not affiliated with traditional synagogues.

Jewish education continues to play a significant role in shaping identity. Among Jewish households:

• 50% of children are enrolled in formal Jewish education programs
• 32% attend Jewish summer camps
• 42% of eligible children have celebrated a bar or bat mitzvah

These experiences help reinforce Jewish identity from a young age.

Brookner noted that Jewish engagement in St. Louis stands out compared to other communities.

“In most places we study, Jewish Community Center membership rarely reaches double digits,” he said. “Here, it’s notably higher, reflecting the J’s strong programming and role in the community. Additionally, 36% of Jewish households belong to a congregation—whether a synagogue, Chabad, or a minyan—which is an unusually high percentage.”

Philanthropy and volunteerism

Jewish St. Louisans remain deeply committed to philanthropy. In the past year:

• 80% of Jewish households donated to charitable causes
• 60% contributed to at least one Jewish organization

Volunteerism, however, varies:

• 12% volunteer exclusively for Jewish organizations
• 22% volunteer solely for non-Jewish causes
• 21% contribute to both

This suggests that while Jewish values inspire many to give back, their efforts extend beyond Jewish institutions.

A changing and diverse community

The St. Louis Jewish community is long-established—66% of Jewish adults have lived in the region for at least 20 years, and 30% have lived there their entire lives. But it is also evolving.

• 23% of Jewish adults have moved to St. Louis within the past decade
• 16% arrived in just the past five years

Education has been the most common reason for relocation, with many moving to attend college or graduate school. Others cited job opportunities, affordability and proximity to family.

St. Louis city, in particular, has attracted a growing number of younger Jewish adults. Among Jewish adults who live within city limits:

• 40% are between the ages of 22 and 39
• 25% are between 40 and 55

Despite this trend, Jewish institutional infrastructure in the city remains limited. There is only one synagogue—Central Reform Congregation—and Matovu, a Jewish community center that hosts various programs.

Dalia Oppenheimer, co-chair of the study, sees this as an opportunity.

“That number was really exciting to me,” she said. “This is exactly why we conduct studies like this—our community’s needs and engagement patterns are constantly evolving. Understanding where people are and how they connect helps us build a more vibrant Jewish life.”

Diversity is also increasing:

• 9% of Jewish adults identify as LGBTQ
• 8% come from racially or ethnically diverse backgrounds
• 53% of married Jews have a non-Jewish spouse, up from 48% in 2014 and higher than the national Jewish intermarriage rate of 42%

Challenges: Economic barriers and antisemitism

Despite strong engagement, financial and logistical challenges prevent some Jewish households from fully participating in Jewish life.

• 17% of Jewish households report struggling financially
• 7% cannot afford an unexpected $400 expense

Younger adults (ages 22-54) are the most financially vulnerable, reflecting broader national trends. Among those interested in participating in Jewish life, 72% face at least one obstacle, including:

• Inconvenient event times (30%)
• Lack of social connections (31%)
• Difficulty finding relevant programs (28%)

Affordability is a particular concern for those experiencing financial strain.

Antisemitism is also a significant issue.

• 51% of Jewish adults have altered their behavior due to fear of antisemitism
• 28% avoid wearing Jewish symbols in public
• 47% are concerned about antisemitism locally
• 79% worry about rising antisemitism worldwide

Views on Israel: Connection and division

The study also highlights diverse perspectives on Israel.

• 90% of Jewish adults believe Israel serves as a crucial refuge for Jewish people
• 29% feel their views on Israel are unwelcome in Jewish spaces

This reflects broader national debates within the Jewish community. Still, more than half (51%) of Jewish adults in St. Louis have visited Israel, underscoring a deep connection.

Methodology and comparisons to 2014

The 2024 study surveyed 1,771 eligible households between January and April 2024. More than 210,000 households were contacted via mail, email, and phone, with responses collected online or by phone.

Brandeis and NORC caution against direct comparisons with the 2014 study due to methodological differences. The previous study relied on random phone dialing, a method that has become less effective due to caller ID, declining response rates and the shift from landlines to cell phones.

“Survey research is a science,” Brookner explained. “We continuously refine our methods. Ten years ago, traditional approaches were already becoming less effective.”

Looking ahead: strengthening community bonds

The $320,000 study—funded in part by the Lubin-Green and Weinberg foundations—paints a portrait of a Jewish community that is both resilient and evolving. While engagement remains strong, there are opportunities to expand participation, particularly among those who identify as “Just Jewish” (35%) or face economic barriers.

Moving forward, addressing affordability, fostering inclusivity and creating meaningful opportunities for connection will be essential to ensuring that Jewish life in St. Louis remains vibrant and accessible for all.

Key findings from the 2024 community study, methodology and other tools to understand the research are now available here.