LATIN-JEWISH LOS ANGELES:
A Secondary Data Analysis of the 2021 Study of Jewish LA
Final report by:
Lead investigator: Dr David McCarty-Caplan March 2025
INTRODUCTION
Los Angeles is home to a vibrant and diverse Jewish population, yet the experiences of Latino/a Jews* in this region remain understudied and often misunderstood. In 2021, the Study of Jewish LA** was conducted to provide a broad overview of diverse Jewish life in the Greater Los Angeles region, and reveal valuable preliminary information regarding the specific experiences of distinct Jewish sub-populations; including Latino/a Jews in Los Angeles. The research described in this report seeks to build upon the 2021 study, by conducting an in-depth secondary analysis of the existing data, uncovering patterns and insights that can inform meaningful actions to support and uplift Latino/a Jews within the broader Jewish community. This study was made possible through the support of the Jews of Color Initiative, and we are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles for granting us the opportunity to explore their data.
Understanding the experiences of Latino/a Jews is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and equitable Jewish communal life Many Jewish institutions operate within frameworks that primarily reflect white American Jewish cultural norms, inadvertently sidelining Jews from Latin American, Sephardic, and Mizrahi backgrounds. This study illuminates the specific experiences of Latino/a Jews in areas such as racial, ethnic, and cultural identity, household composition, and Jewish engagement. Latino/a Jewish identity is dynamic, shaped by a blend of linguistic, cultural, and historical influences Bringing these narratives to the forefront, can help reshape communal perceptions of Jewish identity and expand the frameworks through which Jewish belonging is understood and nurtured.
Most importantly, this study is not just about gathering knowledge it is about taking action. By examining these important facets of Latino/a-Jewish life in greater depth, we are able to provide Jewish organizations, leaders, and advocates with concrete, evidence-informed recommendations to better serve Latino/a Jews in Los Angeles In the long term, the impact of this work will be measured by how effectively Jewish communal spaces adapt to become more inclusive and representative of all who identify as Jewish. By ensuring that Latino/a Jews feel seen, heard, and valued, we move closer to building a Jewish Los Angeles that truly embraces the richness of its diverse members.
*While Jewtina y Co commonly uses the term 'Latin Jews,' the term ‘Latino/a Jews’ is used in this report instead because this is the phrasing the original Study of Jewish LA applies to describe this population
**Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles (2021) 2021 Study of Jewish LA: A comprehensive look at Jewish life in Greater Los Angeles Retrieved from https://www brandeis edu/cmjs/community-studies/los-angeles-report html
THE 2021 STUDY OF JEWISH LA
The 2021 Study of Jewish LA* was a comprehensive demographic and sociological analysis of the Jewish population in Greater Los Angeles, conducted to provide a deeper understanding of the community’s composition, needs, and experiences. Commissioned by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and executed by social scientists, the study examined key areas such as Jewish identity, religious engagement, cultural practices, socioeconomic status, and communal participation. It provided valuable insights into the diversity of the Jewish population in Los Angeles, including generational differences, denominational affiliations, and patterns of engagement with Jewish institutions. The study continues to serve as a critical resource for Jewish organizations and other interest holders in Los Angeles and beyond, guiding decision-making on community programming, outreach, and support services
Latino/a Jews in Los Angeles
One of the great contributions of the 2021 Study is that it provides a variety of population estimates for various sub-populations within the Los Angeles Jewish community. This includes valuable insights into specific characteristics of Latino/a Jews, Latino/a Households, and Latino/a Jewish Households within Los Angeles**, which are summarized below. For further details regarding the findings from the original study specifically related to Latino/a Jews in LA, please refer to the 2021 Study of Jewish LA: The Diversity Report
*Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles (2021) 2021 Study of Jewish LA: A comprehensive look at Jewish life in Greater Los Angeles Retrieved from https://www brandeis edu/cmjs/community-studies/los-angeles-report html **It is important to note the definition of these terms in this report differs from terms used in the 2021 study report.
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Population Estimates in Greater Los Angeles
28,000 Latino/a Jewish individuals
20,000 Non-Jewish Latino/a individuals who live in Jewish households
19,500 Jewish households with at least one Latino/a Jew
43,000 Jewish Indiviuduals in households with at least one Latino/a Jew
5% Jewish individuals who are Latino/a
4% Jewish Adults who are Latino/a
6% Jewish Children who are Latino/a
Ages
Index of Jewish Engagement
KEY FINDINGS OF THE CURRENT STUDY
This study sought to build on the findings of the 2021 Study of Jewish LA by conducting a secondary analysis of these data focused on better understanding the experiences of Latino/a Jews and Latino/a Jewish households within the broader Jewish communal landscape of LA.
To do so, this study isolated responses to the original study from either Jewish respondents who identified themselves as Latino/a, non-Jewish Latino/a respondents from households with a Jewish member, or Jewish respondents who identified at least one other person in their household as Latino/a (Jewish or not Jewish). Thus, this analytic sample included 292 responses from Latino/a Jewish households The results and analysis that follows is derived from this sub-sample of Latino/a Jewish households in Los Angeles
Sample
172
Latino/a Jewish respondents
10
Non-Jewish Latino/a respondents from household with a Jewish member
Important Terminology
110
Non-Latino/a Jewish respondents from household with Latino/a member
292
Latino/a Jewish households =
“Latino/a Jews” are Jewish individuals who also identify as Latino/a. “Latino/a Jewish households” are Jewish households that include at least one Latino/a.*
Demographics
Racial Identity
Categorizing race within the Latino/a Jewish population of LA presents challenges due to the complex and fluid nature of racial identity within Latino communities. While a majority of Latino/a Jewish respondents do not identify as people of color (POC), a significant portion does, highlighting the diversity of racial self-perception influenced by factors such as phenotype, cultural heritage, and societal context This complexity underscores the limitations of rigid racial categories and the need for more nuanced approaches that acknowledge the intersection of ethnicity, race, and identity within this population.
Respondents
Households
Household Composition
Latino/a Jewish households in LA tend to be moderately sized, with an average of 3 2 people per household Nearly half (48%) of these households include at least one child, with over a quarter (26%) having more than one child, reflecting a family-oriented structure. Additionally, 31% of households have 3+ adults, suggesting multigenerational living arrangements or shared housing dynamics that may shape household experiences and needs.
3.2 people on average in Latino/a Jewish households
48% of Latino/a Jewish households have a child in the home
26% of Latino/a Jewish households have more than one child
31% of Latino/a Jewish households have 3+ adults in the home
Household Characteristics
This sample of the Latino/a Jewish population in Los Angeles re ects a rich blend of immigrant and multigenerational Jewish experiences, with 30% of respondents born outside the U S and 72% having at least one foreign-born parent Jewish identity remains strong within these households, as 94% of children are being raised Jewish, and 71% of respondents have Jewish parents, though interfaith dynamics are also present, with 19% having interfaith parents and 33% of married individuals are intermarried. Additionally, Spanish remains a signi cant cultural touchstone, spoken in 40% of Latino/a Jewish households, highlighting the intersection of language, heritage, and Jewish identity within this diverse community
30%
72% of Latino/a respondents were born outside of the U.S.
of Latino/a respondents have a parent that was born outside of the U.S.
71% of Latino/a respondents have Jewish parents
19% of Latino/a respondents have parents in interfaith relationship
18% of Latino/a respondents are converts
94% of Children in Latino/a Jewish households are being raised Jewish
40% of Latino/a Jewish households speak Spanish in the home
73% of adults in Latino/a Jewish households are married
33% of married people in Latino/a Jewish households are intermarried
Geography
The geographic distribution of Latino/a Jewish households across Greater Los Angeles reveals a pattern of balance and diversity Latino/a Jewish families have established equal presences 26% each in the Westside, West Valley, and Central/Mid-city areas, creating three distinct but equally significant residential clusters throughout the metropolitan region. The East Valley serves as another notable concentration, home to 15% of Latino/a Jewish households, while smaller populations have established themselves in the South Bay (5%) and North Valley counties (3%). This distribution illustrates how Latino/a Jewish families have not consolidated in a single neighborhood but instead have created multiple community centers across Greater Los Angeles East Valley 15% West Side 26% West Valley 26% Central/ Mid 26% N. County Valleys 3% South Bay 5%
As defined by the 2021 Study of Jewish LA, the Los Angeles Jewish community encompasses all cities and neighborhoods: East from the coastline
West from Silverlake/ Downtown/ the 710 Fwy
North from San Pedro, including San Fernando, Conejo, Simi, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valleys
This report divides the community into six regions: West Valley East Valley Westside Central/ Metro/ Mid South Bay North County Valleys
Jewish Values & Identity
Essential Aspects of Being Jewish
Latino/a Jewish households in Los Angeles place a strong emphasis on Jewish identity, with 74% considering Judaism very to extremely important in their lives Core values that are also prevalently noted as essential aspects of Jewish identity include morals and ethics (83%), family and traditions (79%), and social justice (64%), further shaping a sense of Latino/a Jewish community and engagement. This prioritization reflects a deep connection between Jewish identity, cultural heritage, and broader commitments to justice and communal responsibility within Latino/a Jewish households.
Among Latino/a Jewish Households:
74% Feel their Judaism is very-to-extremely important
83% Feel morals and values are an essential aspect of their Judaism
79% Family and traditions are an essential aspect of their Judaism 64% Social Justice and equality are an essential aspect of their Judaism
Antisemitism
While direct experiences of antisemitism among Latino/a Jewish respondents (19%) are relatively low, there is significant concern about antisemitism both nationally (67%) and globally (76%) This suggests that even if individuals have not personally faced antisemitism, broader societal and historical threats contribute to a heightened sense of vigilance and communal anxiety.*
19% of Latino/a respondents have experienced antisemitism
67% of Latino/a respondents are concerned about antisemitism in the U S
76% of Latino/a respondents are concerned about antisemitism in the world
Jewish Engagement
Latino/a Jewish households in Los Angeles demonstrate strong Jewish engagement, with over half (53%) having a synagogue member and 58% engaging with Jewish organizations at least sometimes However, Jewish social connections vary, as 25% report having few or no close Jewish friends, while nearly half (47%) regularly mark Shabbat, highlighting diverse expressions of Jewish identity and community involvement.
53%
47% 25% 58% of Latino/a Jewish households contain a member of a synagogue
mark Shabbat every or almost every week
have hardly any-to-none close Jewish friends
engage with a Jewish organization sometimes-to-often
Predictors of Jewish Engagement
This study sought to identify what, if any, factors significantly influenced a household's Jewish engagement This statistical analysis included attention to: marital status, household composition, age, income, racial identity, geography, household size, and experiences with antisemitism
Findings suggest Jewish engagement among Latino/a Jewish households in LA is shaped by a range of social and structural factors.
More Likely to Have ‘Communal’ or ‘Immersed’ Engagement
Households with more close Jewish friends
Households with Jewish converts
Households with higher degrees of experiences with antisemitism
More Likely to Have
‘Minimal’ or ‘Holiday’
Engagement
Households with intermarried couple
Households with unmarried adults
Households in the West Valley (compared to Central/ Mid-city)
This analysis found that having more close Jewish friends, the presence of Jewish converts in the household, and greater experiences of antisemitism were associated with higher likelihoods of identifying with certain engagement categories, such as communal and immersed. Conversely, intermarried couples, unmarried adults, and households located in the West Valley were more likely to be associated with less institutionally connected or more occasional forms of engagement, such as holiday or minimal involvement Importantly, these five categories of Jewish engagementminimally involved, holiday, communal, ritual, and immersed – do not represent a linear progression from ‘less’ to ‘more’ engaged. Rather, they reflect distinct expressions of Jewish life shaped by different configurations of social connection, geographic location, personal identity, and lived experience. These findings suggest that Jewish engagement among Latino/a Jews is multifaceted and contextually driven, rather than following a singular trajectory of engagement
QUALITATIVE FINDINGS
Sample Description
To supplement the quantitative analysis of this study, three focus groups were conducted with a total of 10 adult Latino/a Jewish participants, representing a diverse range of Latino/a Jewish experiences in Los Angeles. Participants had roots in multiple Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Panama. Some were first-generation Americans, while others immigrated to the U.S. later in life. A few were adoptees, having been born in Latin America but raised in non-Latino/a families, sometimes outside the U.S. Jewish backgrounds varied, with most identifying as Ashkenazi, though some had Sephardic or Mizrahi roots A few participants were Jews by choice, having converted to Judaism
Participants’ racial identities were complex and context-dependent Some identified as Jews of Color (JOC), especially those who were visibly non-white, while others described themselves as white-passing or racially white despite their Latino/a heritage. Spanish fluency was a significant identity marker, with some emphasizing its role in strengthening their Latino/a Jewish identity, h l h d l b d d h k h
Key Themes
Qualitative analysis of the focus groups identified four primary themes that emerge from these data:
The Challenge of Identity Categorization: Latinidad, Jewishness, Ethnicity and Race
Many participants expressed complexity in how they identify racially and culturally, particularly around whether or not they identify as JOCs. There was a significant tension between selfperception and how others perceive them in Jewish and non-Jewish spaces.
I think with my brown face, I can't get away with saying that I'm not a Jew of Color I definitely identify as a Jew of Color and a person of color Esteban, 40
“ “ ” ” ”
I don't feel like a Jew of Color at all... I grew up in a white community with white friends, and everyone around me was white. And in Mexico, there's not really such a thing as a Jew of Color.
Aaron, 35
I mean, I don't identify as a Jew of Color. I mean, just to concretely put that out there. And I, you know, I think, sort of like, simply put it is because my racial identity is separate from my ethnicity.
Hannah, 42
The Search for Community and Belonging
Participants repeatedly emphasized the importance of nding and connecting with other Latin-Jewish people, often describing moments of joy when encountering others who share their dual identity.
I'm used to always being around Latin Jews being from Mexico and living in that community But here it's hard to find them And every time I find one, it's like, 'Oh great! Let's be best friends and let's speak Spanish like all the time. Aaron, 35
Whenever I find another Latin Jew, I'm like, 'We are now family.' We're not even best friends. We've skipped that stage and we're gonna be together forever Stephanie, 35
My parents found a community of other Argentinian Jews, and they served as pseudo aunts, uncles, cousins It was a family away from family Ariel, 43
Experiences with Racism and Colorism in Jewish Spaces
Some participants shared instances where they felt out of place in Jewish spaces because of their racial or ethnic identity Others noted the role of colorism in shaping their experiences within their Latino/a and Jewish communities
I think in more progressive spaces here in LA, Jews try to be welcoming and inclusive but there's still people who are like, 'Oh, we ran out of napkins, would you mind getting more?' And it's like, I don’t work here
Esteban, 40
” “ ” ” “
I didn’t expect to feel out of place in Jewish spaces, but it happens more than I thought it would. It’s, like, I walk in, and people assume I’m someone’s plusone or that I work there. It’s exhausting having to prove that I belong.
Luisa, 30
I've definitely been cross-examined about my Jewish identity more than once. The colorism in Jewish LA is very real if you don’t fit the Ashkenazi mold, people question you.
Sara, 42
Navigating Relationships and Interfaith Partnerships
Many participants discussed the complexities of relationships and marriage within the LatinJewish community, particularly around expectations regarding interfaith partnerships. While some described growing up with strong familial expectations to marry within the Jewish community, others shared the challenges of maintaining Jewish traditions within interfaith households Some also noted that interfaith relationships could lead to lower engagement with Jewish institutions.
I grew up with the expectation that I would marry Jewish. It wasn’t even a conversation it was just assumed. And honestly, I thought I would. But then you get older, and you realize love doesn’t necessarily follow those expectations. Leah, 28
I married a Black man, and my entire family now is a family of color. The Jewish part of my identity is strong, but I have to navigate how that fits into a multiracial, multicultural household. Sonya, 40.
I've seen it play out with my friends… If one partner doesn’t have the same connection to Judaism, they’re not necessarily going to be on board for, like, shelling out all of what it costs to belong to a temple and be engaged in that way Ariel, 43
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are informed by the findings of this study and aim to support Latino/a Jewish communities in Los Angeles by fostering inclusion, strengthening community engagement, and addressing barriers to participation A number of organizations, programs, and examples are included in the recommendations below, in an effort to provide helpful starting points for taking practical action in alignment with these recommendations.
1. Expand Latino/a-Jewish Cultural Visibility and Community Connections
Latino/a Jews in Los Angeles expressed a strong desire for spaces where they can connect with others who share their dual identity. Expanding these opportunities can enhance belonging and engagement. Strengthen Latino/a-Jewish engagement through institutional collaboration: Organizations like Jewtina y Co. have built strong foundations for Latino/a-Jewish identity, leadership, and connection. Museums, Synagogues, Jewish Community Centers (JCCs), and Federations can build on this momentum by collaborating with organizations like Jewtina y Co. to bring culturally grounded programming into their spaces and provide additional support systems for Latin-Jewish community members
Celebrate Latino/a-Jewish culture through civic and communal collaboration: To expand cultural visibility and foster a sense of belonging, institutions can work with the City of Los Angeles, local arts councils, and civic leaders to host public events that highlight the richness of Latino/a-Jewish heritage. These events whether city-sponsored festivals, cultural heritage months, or storytelling installations can serve as a platform to uplift the shared histories and contributions of Latino/a, Jewish, and Latino/a-Jewish communities in Los Angeles The Shades of Belonging Community Festival, which celebrated the experiences of Jewish adoptees of color through research, music, and art, is an example of this kind of communal collaboration.
Develop digital platforms for networking and community-building: Build on existing platforms like Jewtina y Co.’s VOCES podcast by sharing content, commissioning new stories, and engaging entertainment networks to elevate Latin-Jewish voices and expand public understanding of Jewish diversity
jewtina org
2.
Increase Cultural and Racial Competency in Jewish Institutions
Latino/a Jews reported experiences of exclusion and racialized assumptions in Jewish spaces. Addressing these issues requires structural and cultural changes within Jewish institutions that begin with expanding awareness within the larger Jewish community of the existing and growing multiracial/multiethnic diversity of Jewish people
Implement racial equity and cultural competency training: Bend the Arc and Be’chol Lashon provide antiracism training tailored for Jewish institutions, helping to increase awareness of Jewish diversity and foster more inclusive communal environments.
Create visible leadership opportunities for Latino/a Jews: Jewtina y Co’s PUENTES Fellowship the Jews of Color Initiative’s Leadership Development Grants are existing resources designed to support emerging Jewish leaders of color. These models could be adapted or expanded to specifically uplift other Latino/a-Jewish leaders within communal organizations.
Establish anti-bias protocols in Jewish institutions: Programs such as Keshet's LGBTQ+ sensitivity training for Jewish spaces can serve as a model for establishing proactive policies that address discrimination against Latino/a Jews and other diverse Jewish identities.
3. Enhance Access to Jewish Education and Engagement for Latino/a Jews
Many Latino/a Jews face barriers to Jewish institutional participation, including cost, interfaith family dynamics, and language accessibility.
Provide scholarships and financial assistance: Organizations like PJ Library (which provides free Jewish books to families) and OneTable (which funds Shabbat dinners for young adults) could be expanded with specific outreach to Latino/a Jewish households to ensure greater participation.
Offer bilingual (Spanish-English) Jewish educational programs: The American Jewish University’s Miller Introduction to Judaism Program has offered Spanish-language Jewish education courses, serving as a model for making Jewish learning more accessible to Spanishspeaking Jews And recent research has begun to explore this issue through examining the intersections of Latino/a-Jewish families, bilingual education, and school choice.
Develop inclusive programming for interfaith and multicultural Jewish households: 18Doors specializes in supporting interfaith Jewish families and could be a key partner in ensuring that Jewish institutions develop inclusive resources for Latino/a Jewish families with interfaith and multicultural backgrounds. Also, Base LA recently launched a program specifically designed for interfaith couples to explore Judaism on their own terms
4. Address the Unique Needs of Latino/a Jewish Families and Households
Latino/a Jewish households often include multigenerational and interfaith family structures that require tailored approaches to engagement and support
Create family-oriented programming that acknowledges interfaith and multicultural structures: JCCs of North America already provide family-centered programs, and adapting these to be more inclusive of Latino/a Jewish households would support community-building across diverse family dynamics. And in the Bay Area, Olamim serves as an example of family-centered programming with a specific mission to serve Latino/a-Jewish families
Develop partnerships between Jewish and Latin community organizations: HIAS (which supports Jewish and Latin American immigrants) and Jews United for Justice provide models for collaboration between Jewish and Latin communities in addressing shared social justice concerns.
Conduct further research on evolving needs: Jewtina y Co.’s Research Institute and the Jews of Color Initiative have successfully led research on Jews of Color Partnering with these organizations, or others like Be’chol Lashon to conduct new or longitudinal studies on Latino/a Jewish engagement would provide valuable insights for shaping future communal initiatives.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the complexity and richness of the Latino/a Jewish experience in Los Angeles. Latino/a Jews navigate multiple intersecting identities, contributing to the broader Jewish community while also facing challenges related to inclusion, cultural representation, and institutional access. Their strong commitment to Jewish identity, values, and social justice demonstrates a deep-rooted connection to Jewish life, yet their experiences also reveal structural and cultural barriers that hinder full participation in Jewish communal spaces.
To create a more inclusive and representative Jewish Los Angeles, communal institutions must acknowledge and address the unique needs of Latino/a Jews. Expanding spaces for Latin-Jewish connection, increasing cultural competence within Jewish institutions, enhancing access to Jewish engagement, and supporting diverse family structures (particularly interfaith and intergenerational households) are essential steps toward this goal. By implementing these changes, the Jewish community in Los Angeles can more fully embrace its diversity, ensuring that all Jews regardless of racial, ethnic, or cultural background feel seen, heard, and valued.
The findings of this study serve as a call to action for Jewish organizations, leaders, and community members to take meaningful steps toward inclusion and equity The strength of the Jewish people has always been its ability to adapt, evolve, and welcome those who seek to be part of its story. By embracing the vibrancy of Latino/a Jewish identities, Los Angeles’ Jewish community has the opportunity to build a future that truly reflects the breadth of its members' experiences and aspirations.
