How many followers are there in Judaism?

Despite its significant historical and cultural impact, Judaism is relatively small in terms of global followers compared to other faiths such as Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism. This article explores the number of adherents to Judaism, factors influencing these numbers, and the broader context of Jewish identity.

Estimating the Global Jewish Population

Determining the exact number of Jews worldwide is not a straightforward task. Estimates can vary depending on the criteria used to define Jewish identity—whether by religious practice, ancestry, self-identification, or a combination of these. According to the most widely cited research, conducted by the Pew Research Center and the Jewish People Policy Institute, the world’s Jewish population is approximately 14-15 million as of the mid-2020s.

Major Jewish Population Centers

The Jewish diaspora is spread across the globe, but two countries account for the vast majority of Jews: Israel and the United States.

Israel

Israel is the only country with a Jewish majority. As of 2024, Israel’s Jewish population stands at around 7.2 million. This group comprises both religious and secular Jews, reflecting the diverse ways in which Jewish identity is expressed within Israeli society. Israel’s establishment in 1948 led to significant waves of Jewish immigration, especially from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, helping to make it the spiritual and demographic center of the Jewish world today.

United States

The United States is home to the second-largest Jewish community in the world, with an estimated 5.8-6.3 million Jews. American Jews are highly diverse, encompassing a broad spectrum of religious observance, cultural traditions, and political views. The majority identify with Reform or Conservative Judaism, though there are also significant Orthodox, Reconstructionist, and secular Jewish populations.

Other Countries

Beyond Israel and the United States, significant Jewish communities exist in Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Argentina, Germany, Australia, and South Africa. These communities range in size from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand. For example, France has the largest Jewish population in Europe, estimated at around 450,000, while Canada’s Jewish community numbers about 400,000.

Defining Jewish Identity: Who Counts as a Jew?

One of the complexities in counting Jews worldwide lies in the definition of Jewish identity. Some estimates are based solely on religious practice, while others include those of Jewish ancestry or those who identify culturally as Jewish. The Pew Research Center distinguishes between Jews by religion (those who identify their religion as Judaism) and Jews of no religion (those who identify as Jewish ethnically or culturally, but not religiously). Including both groups gives a more comprehensive picture of the Jewish population.

Additionally, Jewish law (halacha) traditionally defines a Jew as someone born to a Jewish mother or converted to Judaism according to Jewish law. However, many secular Jews or those with one Jewish parent may still identify as Jewish, further complicating demography.

Trends Influencing Jewish Population Numbers

Several factors influence the size and growth of the global Jewish population. These include:

• Assimilation and Intermarriage: Especially in the diaspora, high rates of intermarriage and assimilation can affect community size and continuity. Some children of intermarried couples are raised with little or no connection to Judaism.
• Migration: Throughout history, Jewish populations have shifted due to migration, often prompted by persecution, economic opportunity, or the draw of Israel as a homeland.
• Birth Rates: Jewish birth rates vary by region and level of religious observance. In Israel, especially among Orthodox communities, birth rates are higher, contributing to population growth. In contrast, many diaspora communities have lower birth rates.
• Conversion: While Judaism generally does not actively seek converts, conversion does occur, adding to the population in some regions.

Judaism’s Influence Beyond Numbers

Although Jews represent only about 0.2% of the world’s population, their influence on world civilization, culture, ethics, science, and history is immense. Jewish thinkers, scientists, artists, and leaders have made outsized contributions across many fields. The story of Judaism is not just a tale of numbers, but of resilience, intellectual vibrancy, and enduring tradition.

Conclusion

In summary, the global Jewish population is estimated at around 14-15 million, with the vast majority living in Israel and the United States. The complexities of Jewish identity, migration patterns, and demographic trends all influence these numbers. While relatively small in number, the Jewish people have had—and continue to have—a profound impact on the world.