Community Insights & Research
Everything we do at Jewish Federation of San Diego starts with a simple question: what does our community need? Research is how we find out.
By studying who we are, how we’re growing, and where gaps still exist, we can make choices grounded in real understanding rather than guesswork. Here you can find and explore our research in one place and understand the data that guides our work.
Why We Do This
Our community is changing, and we want to understand that change with clarity and care. Federation conducts and commissions research to listen closely to the community, measure what’s working, and take notice of what’s being missed. These studies help us direct resources where they matter most, and they give our partners, funders, and neighbors a common foundation of knowledge to build on.
The Community Study
At the heart of our research is the Community Study, the most comprehensive portrait we’ve ever created of Jewish life in San Diego. Drawing on thousands of voices across the region, it tells us who makes up our community, how connected people feel, what they’re seeking, and where they need support. The findings anchor our priorities and inform gatherings like Blueprint, where community leaders come together to turn data into action.
Studies & Findings
Below you’ll find the full collection of our research. Each study offers a different window into our community, and together they help us see the bigger picture.
Community Study
A wide-angle look at who we are and how we’re changing.
The Surge Study
Exploring the growing number of people stepping into Jewish life, and how to welcome them.
Pulse Survey
A regular check-in on how our community is feeling and what’s on their minds right now.
What Guides Our Research
Our work reflects the priorities that shape Federation: caring for Jews in need, building a vibrant Jewish future, connecting with Israel and global Jewry, and creating a resilient and secure community. Research runs through all of it, helping us understand each of these areas more deeply and respond more effectively.
How We Approach It
We believe research should be honest, rigorous, and useful. Our studies draw on surveys, community input, and trusted data sources, and we work with experienced research partners to make sure the findings hold up. Wherever we can, we share our methods openly, because we want this work to serve the whole community — not just inform our own decisions.
Explore & Connect
We invite you to dig in, share what you learn, and reach out. If you have any questions about Jewish Federation of San Diego’s research and studies, please reach out to:
