Update on Recent Jewish Community Survey

by Rabbi Louis Sutker

The previous update reported on results concerning physical, economic and emotional needs of the Victoria Jewish Community initiated by Jewish Family Services.  The following reports on cultural religious and organizational matters. 

Almost 100 percent of the 54 responses reported involvement with one of the Victoria synagogues as members or attendees. A third stated membership in the Jewish Community Centre, 44% as members of Jewish Federation and 13% as members of local Hadassah.

Cultural and spiritually 78% read Jewish books ,60% lit candles on Shabbat, 22% said they regularly attended Shul, 22% prayed daily, 39% engaged in Jewish study, 76% attended Jewish cultural events and 28% understood Hebrew.

A third said they donated to United Jewish Appeal or local Jewish Federation or Jewish Family Services. Over 70% stated they donated to local or other charities.

Senior housing and emergency food supplies and emergency housing were the highest local needs suggested. Senior housing was also listed as a priority in the previous survey of 2005. More Jewish cultural activities and more Jewish adult education opportunities were listed as community needs. 36 different strong points of the community were listed as well as 37 suggestions for specific improvements.  73% said they were willing to volunteer for activities if asked. A number of suggestions for improving the survey were made with making it shorter on the top of the list.

The relatively low return rate suggests some caution in interpreting the results as representative of the entire Victoria Jewish community although it is a start in understanding who we are and, our strong points and areas needing improvement.

I offer much appreciation to those filling out the survey and those who helped to put it into effect and distribute it. Todah rabah l’kulam.