The Paradoxes of American Jewish Political Behavior

Shabbat Dinner with Zvi Gittelman Topic: The Paradoxes of American Jewish Political Behavior Since the 1950s, American Jews have had all the socioeconomic characteristics associated with conservative political positions and voting for Republican candidates. Yet, American Jews have voted solidly Democratic since 1932 and are consistently the most liberal ethnic or religious group on foreign and domestic issues. Why? Many theories have been advanced to explain the paradoxical behavior of American Jews, but none can be proved. In this election year, it is important to try to understand the political thinking and actions of a small but important part of the electorate. We will also compare and contrast the political characteristics of ex-Soviet American Jews.