Applied Research

The complexity of contemporary Jewish life can only be captured by accessing a variety of perspectives and utilizing different methodological approaches. JDC-ICCD’s projects incorporate data gathered from communal leaders to the unaffiliated and employ a wide range of both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches. Our forthcoming research initiatives are designed to yield significant insights into particular regions, populations and/or area of activity, and together will generate a fuller picture of key trends and opportunities for policy intervention.

Two large-scale research initiatives have just been launched. The first is Identity á la Carte , an in-depth study of the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours of young and middle generation European Jews. The initial phase will involve 1,500 face-to-face interviews with respondents based in five key Eastern European cities.

The second major initiative is our European Jewish Leaders Survey . Incorporating the views of 300 top decision-makers and opinion-shapers from 32 countries, the project will investigate current outlooks on a range of European and communal issues, and examine priorities for the next decade of organized Jewish life.

JDC-ICCD will shortly also begin work on a series of case studies of Jewish activity taking place outside mainstream institutions. Judaism Without Walls will examine a growing number of intriguing grass roots Jewish initiatives that are reaching marginally-engaged and peripheral populations, and explore the reasons for their success. Judaism Without Walls will also pilot a new multi-media approach to research data, publishing its findings in a range of modes: written text, visual image and movie footage.