Jewish Policy Research Institute
Shining a light on modern Jewish life
The Jewish Policy Research Institute (opens in a new tab) (JPR) uses information found in the census to build a picture of the UK’s Jewish community. That picture can have a big impact on the support and services the community receives.
The JPR shines a light on modern Jewish communities in the UK and across Europe. It aims to find out what Jewish communities feel, think and do, to help organisations support them.
The JPR uses census information to find out about Jewish life in England and Wales. They look at things like population size, age range, household size and health. The institute uses the information to put together reports that help community leaders and organisations better understand:
- the issues Jewish people face
- where Jewish life is getting better or in decline
- how well Jewish people are integrated into life in England and Wales
The JPR’s reports are particularly important to Jewish charities. Census information helps them plan how to support those most in need. For example, elderly care charities use the information to plan how many care home places will be needed in the future. Children’s charities use the information to see how many Jewish children are living with learning disabilities in different parts of England and Wales.
More widely, census information helps the JPR to work out what welfare services Jewish people need and where. They’ll then compare this with what’s currently available.
Information on religion from Census 2021 will allow the JPR to see Jewish population trends over the first two decades of the 21st century more accurately than ever.
Dr Jonathan Boyd, Executive Director of the JPR said: “Few people today understand or appreciate just how important the census is. But there is nothing like it. Its extraordinary detail allows us to see and understand the UK’s entirely unique ways. It is, without question, the most important research exercise in the UK.”