How Many Jews in the World: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Publish date: 2024-05-06

How Many Jews in the World

Hello there!

In this enthralling exploration, we will embark on a quest to uncover the precise number of Jewish individuals across the globe.

I’m thrilled to share with you some fascinating insights about the global Jewish population. Let’s dive right in!

The Core Jewish Population

The world’s “core” Jewish population, those identifying as Jews above all else, was estimated at 16.1 million.

This figure represents a mere 0.2% of the 8 billion worldwide population.

The Connected and Enlarged Jewish Population

The Jewish population isn’t just about those who identify as Jews.

When we include the “connected” Jewish population—those who say they are partly Jewish or have Jewish backgrounds from at least one Jewish parent—the number rises to 18 million.

Adding the “enlarged” Jewish population, including those who say they have Jewish backgrounds but no Jewish parents and all non-Jewish household members who live with Jews, we reach a total of 21 million.

Eligibility for Israeli Citizenship

Israel’s Law of Return allows any Jew, or anyone with sufficient Jewish ancestry, to become an Israeli citizen.

Counting all those eligible for Israeli citizenship under this law, in addition to Israeli Jews, raises the total to 23.8 million.

Geographic Distribution

Two countries account for 81% of those recognized as Jews or of sufficient Jewish ancestry.

Therefore, to be eligible for citizenship in Israel under its Law of Return: The United States with 51% and Israel with 30%.

Jewish population growth over time

The Jewish population has experienced significant changes over time, influenced by a variety of factors including migration, religious conversions, and historical events.

Ancient Times

The Torah contains several statements about the number of Hebrews that left Egypt, the descendants of Jacob’s seventy sons and grandsons.

This would imply a population of about 3 million.

The Census of David is said to have recorded 1.3 million males over twenty years of age, which would imply a population of over 5 million.

Middle Ages to Early Modern Period

Between the end of the 18th and 19th centuries, the number of Jews in the world rose to more than 10 million and climbed further to 16.5 million on the eve of the second world war.

Most of this growth was in Eastern Europe, then America, and then Palestine and Israel.

Post-World War II

The Holocaust had a devastating impact on the Jewish population.

However, since 2005, the world’s Jewish population has been growing modestly at a rate of around 0.78% (in 2013).

This increase primarily reflects the rapid growth of Haredi and some Orthodox sectors.

Future Projections

As of 2010, there were nearly 14 million Jews around the world.

By 2050, the Jewish population is expected to number about 16 million.

Over the next few decades, Israel is projected to pass the United States and become, by a sizable margin, the country with the largest Jewish population².

In conclusion, the Jewish population has seen periods of growth and decline throughout history.

Today, it continues to evolve, shaped by factors such as demographic trends, migration patterns, and religious practices.

Conclusion

The global Jewish population is diverse and spread across the world, with a significant presence in the United States and Israel.

Whether we look at those who identify as Jews or those connected through ancestry or household ties.

Indeed, it’s clear that the Jewish community is a vibrant part of our global tapestry.

I hope you found this breakdown informative and engaging!

Remember, every statistic tells a story, and behind these numbers are millions of individual stories that make up the rich tapestry of the global Jewish community.

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