Nearly 1 in 4 Jewish adults (23%) are financially vulnerable—meaning they rely on government benefits, struggle to pay their bills, or have less than $1,000 in savings—while an additional 12% say they are just managing to make ends meet, according to a new study by Jewish Federations of North America, with support from TEN: Together Ending Need and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. 

 
“Many people don’t realize the extent to which members of our Jewish community face financial issues, but this eye-opening data tells an important story that we all need to be attuned to,” said Jessica Mehlman, Jewish Federations’ Associate Vice President of Impact & Planning. “When nearly a quarter of our community is struggling, we cannot look away. These numbers underscore the urgent need to strengthen the safety net and ensure that every Jew, regardless of income, feels welcomed, valued, and connected.” 
 

There are some segments of the Jewish community that face more financial challenges than others. For example: 

 

●     68% of low-income Jews lack a college degree. 

●     27% of low-income Jews are divorced or separated women. 

The study also found that: 

●     57% of financially vulnerable Jews have no emergency savings. 

●     87% of financially vulnerable Jews could not cover more than three months of expenses with their savings. 

●     88% of financially vulnerable Jews rely on Medicaid. 

 

The report makes clear that financial pressures affect how Jewish adults access, participate in, and experience Jewish life. 

 
While respondents consistently say they highly value their Jewish identity and strive to live according to Jewish values, many cite cost as a prohibitive barrier to engaging in activities.
  

The survey highlights a “belonging gap,” in which 48% of financially vulnerable Jews felt their local Jewish community cares for people who are in need. This, in turn, makes them feel less connected and less positive about their community and less cared for.
 

The Jewish community prides itself on giving tzedakah, but with growing affordability challenges, those in need still report that they do not feel supported.
 

This gap, leaders warn, threatens long-term communal cohesion. 

 
The release of this data comes as Jewish Federations continue to expand programs that support economic security, mental health, food access, and pathways to community participation, including strong support for Jewish Human Service organizations. In addition, Jewish Federations are working with a pilot cohort of federations to strengthen and expand their strategies on financial security. With one in four struggling financially and one in ten relying on government benefits, Jewish Federations’ public affairs team is committed to ensuring that all members of the Jewish community can live dignified lives, advocating for policies that provide financial security for the vulnerable. 
  

Federation leaders say the findings will help guide future investments and encourage philanthropists and community organizations to strengthen the social safety net. 
 

“Financial vulnerability is shaping Jewish life in profound ways. From participation to long-term communal resilience,” said Rachel Sumekh, CEO of TEN: Together Ending Need, which organizes funders on the issue. “This is a moment for funders, Federations, and lay leaders to strengthen our communal safety nets and invest in the infrastructure that allows every Jew and American to live with dignity.”