ShalomNewYork.com

“Israelis living in New York are much more connected to their “Jewishness” than American-born Jews, according to a new study released earlier this week by United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York. The surprising results might be partly due to the relatively high percentage of Orthodox Israelis in the area. The study claims that Israelis “far outscore” Americans in terms of synagogue attendance, kashrut observance, participation in Jewish charity events, volunteering to aid needy Jews, visiting Jewish museums and Web sites, as well as in membership in Jewish community centers. The study showed that 60 percent of Israelis in New York light Shabbat candles and maintain a kosher home. Nine out of 10 light Hanukkah candles, fast on Yom Kippur and view Jewish education for their children to be “of supreme importance.” Seventy-two percent maintain close ties with Israel.” more@haAretz.com