NATIONAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF OTTAWA

PART 5 THE JEWISH FAMILY PART 6 INTERMARRIAGE

BY CHARLES SHAHAR & RANDAL SCHNOOR JANUARY 2015

2011 National Household Survey Analysis The Jewish Community of Ottawa

Part 5 The Jewish Family

Part 6 Intermarriage

By Charles Shahar & Randal Schnoor

Acknowledgments

Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA would like to thank Marc Pagé of Statistics Canada for his expertise and meticulous attention to detail. Without his assistance this report would not be possible.

The researchers would like to express appreciation to Andrea Freedman and Bram Bregman for their careful review of this document, and for contributing their knowledge and insights regarding the Ottawa Jewish community.

Finally, a special acknowledgment is extended to Duy Bach Nguyen for his diligent work in the extraction and verification of statistical data.

All data in this report are adapted from: Statistics Canada, special order tabulations for Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA, CO-1421.

ii Highlights of Part 5

• There are 7,330 Jewish households in Ottawa, comprising 1.5% of the total 498,780 households in this metropolitan area.

• Within the Jewish community, the current level of those living in family arrangements (83.7%) is slightly lower than in 1991 (84.3%).

• In 1991, there were 655 Ottawa Jews living in single parent families. When compared to the 2011 figure of 1,235, this represents an increase of 88.5% in the last two decades.

• About one in seven Jewish children (< 15 years) in Ottawa live in lone parent families (13.5%).

• Of 2,215 Jews who are unattached, 400 live with non-relatives, and 1,815 live alone. Persons living alone comprise 13% of the total Jewish population in this metropolitan area.

• While seniors represent 14% of all Ottawa's Jews, they account for 25.6% of all Jews who live alone.

• In the last decade, the fastest growing groups as far as marital status is concerned were those choosing to live in common law arrangements (+52.1%) and those who are divorced / separated (+35%).

• By the age of 25 years, 5.2% of Jews in this metropolitan area have married at least once. By the age of 45 years, 69.5% have married at least once. Finally, by 65 years, 92.5% have married at least once.

• Jews in young adulthood (18-26 years) are less inclined to marry compared to non-Jews of that age group, and are significantly less inclined to live in common law partnerships. iii Highlights of Part 6

• 40.4% of Jewish spouses / partners are married to, or partnered with, non-Jews in the Ottawa metropolitan area. This figure represents the intermarriage rate for the Ottawa Jewish community. In absolute terms, 2,815 of 6,975 Jewish spouses / partners are intermarried.

• There are 4,125 individuals who live in intermarried households, representing 39.8% of all persons living in couple arrangements. This latter figure is used in some analyses presented in this report, but is considered only as a “secondary” intermarriage rate because it includes children in the calculation.

• In the last decade, the intermarriage rate has increased from 32% in 2001 to 39.8% in 2011. The number of Jews living in intermarried families has increased from 3,390 in 2001 to 4,125 in 2011.

• The geographic area with the largest proportion of Jews living in intermarried households is Gatineau (79.2%). In absolute terms, the largest number of intermarried Jews live in Centretown (700), followed by Alta Vista (540), Ottawa West (515), and Gatineau (420).

• In cases where both spouses are less than 30 years of age, the level of intermarriage is 54.5%. It is 34.6% when both spouses are at least 40 years old.

• About half of Jewish children under 15 years of age (living in couple families) reside in intermarried arrangements (46.4%). This represents 880 children.

• When both parents are Jewish, 92.1% of the youngest children in the family are identified as Jewish. However, in intermarried households, only 28.6% of youngest children are identified as Jewish.

• In cases where Jewish men intermarry, 19.9% of youngest children are identified as Jewish; whereas a much more significant proportion (41.1%) of youngest children are identified as Jewish when the mother intermarries.

iv Table of Contents

Part 5: The Jewish Family

Major Trends in Jewish Family Life ...... 1

The Trends in Perspective ...... 4

The Focus of the Present Study ...... 4

Jewish Households: Their Number, Size and Type ...... 7

Living Arrangements ...... 7

Marital Status ...... 13

Family Structure & Number of Children in Households ...... 21

The Challenges Ahead ...... 22

Part 6: Intermarriage

Levels of Intermarriage in the Ottawa CMA ...... 25

Where Do Individuals Living in Intermarried Households Reside? ...... 29

The Characteristics of Intermarried Households ...... 29

Who Intermarries? ...... 35

The Affiliations of Children in Intermarried Families ...... 39

The Challenges Ahead ...... 42

Appendices

Appendix 1: Methodological Considerations ...... 43

Appendix 2: The Revised Jewish Definition ...... 47

v Appendix 3: Geographic Borders & Map ...... 49

Appendix 4: Additional Data Tables ...... 51

vi 2011 National Household Survey Analysis Part 5: The Jewish Family

The current study looks at two major and shifting proportions of Jewish family types interrelated topics regarding Jewish life: the and the changed expectations of their Jewish family and intermarriage. This report members, new demands are increasingly put is part of a series of analyses derived from on the community to respond. the 2011 National Household Survey that describe the demographic characteristics of Wertheimer and Cohen note that on a the Jewish population in the Ottawa pragmatic level, Jewish communal metropolitan area. affiliation has been highly related to in- married couples that have children.1 Jews In recent years the composition and who live in non-traditional family settings dynamics of Jewish family life have tend to manifest less participation in changed considerably. These communal activities. A recent survey done transformations can be understood in the of Ottawa Jews found that divorced and context of social and economic changes in single individuals showed among the lowest the greater society, which Jews more or less levels of affiliation of any demographic mirror as a group. Increasingly, there have group in the community.2 been strains on the stability of the nuclear family, such that non-traditional living Major Trends in Jewish Family arrangements have become significant, not Life: only in terms of their increasing numbers, but in the types of challenges they present to To understand the transformations that have community workers and planners. taken place in the structure and values of

family life it is important to analyze certain Most Jews continue to marry at some point demographic trends that have transpired in in their lives, and to have one or more children, but they are increasingly choosing 1 Wertheimer, J. and Cohen, S.M. The Pew Survey to remain single longer, to have fewer Reanalyzed: More Bad News, but a Glimmer of Hope. Mosaic Magazine (November 2, 2014). children than in previous generations, or to 2 Shahar, C. Jewish Life in Ottawa: A Survey of the remain childless after marriage. Given the Attitudes & Behaviours of Ottawa’s Jewish Community. Jewish Federation of Ottawa. May 2012. 1 the last 50 years. The following is a brief traditionally been perceived as something summary: that binds people permanently, regardless of whether they remain happily or unhappily (1) There are growing numbers of single wed. Today, people disenchanted with their adults in the population: The proportion of marriages are much more inclined to singles has actually increased in the past 50 consider divorce. A recent study in the years, but particularly in the last three United States found that separation and decades. The centrality of marriage has divorce has increased from 9% to 11% in the declined in general North American society, last decade.4 and this is reflected in the Jewish population. A recent study in the United (3) There is a significant increase in the States, for example, found that in the last number of single parent families: The decade married Jewish adults have current divorce rates and changing societal decreased from 57% to 52%.3 Singles are norms have resulted in an increased number most common among young adults and the of single parent families. Beyond elderly, particularly older widows. There are circumstances of divorce, more women and increasingly large numbers of middle-aged men are choosing to have children singles as well. completely outside of marriage or a couple relationship. With a new ethos of Although most people marry by the individualism in society, more Jewish beginning of middle age, increases in singles express a strong desire for children, divorces leave large numbers of them single. but do not necessarily see a connection They are also taking longer to re-marry, and between this and forming a couple some are returning to their parents due to relationship. As Fishman reports, young financial concerns. Jewish women, in particular, are increasingly comfortable saying, “I can have (2) The incidence of divorce is increasing: a Jewish child on my own. I don’t need a Many factors, such as shifting social mores, man to create and raise a Jewish child.” 5 different expectations of marriage, and This phenomenon is closely connected to the revamped divorce laws, have altered the role of marriage in our society. Marriage has 4 See Cohen, S. Jewish Community Study of New York. UJA Federation of New York, 2011. 5 See Fishman, S.B. Transformations in the 3 See Cohen, S. Jewish Community Study of New Composition of American Jewish Households. York. UJA Federation of New York, 2011. American Jewish Committee, 2010.

2 above-mentioned trend of extended estimates that 15% of Jewish couples who singlehood. want children find it difficult or impossible to physically have them.7 (4) Families are having fewer children and remaining childless longer than (5) There is an increasing number of before: As women increasingly entered the same-sex partnerships: This trend relates workforce in the late 1960s and 1970s, many to changing societal attitudes regarding made the decision to marry later and homosexual relationships, which has postponed having children. A number of recently had implications for the legality of North American studies have suggested that same-sex marriages. Same-sex marriage has there is a strong relationship between been legal in Canada since 2005, and educational level and the proportion of Canada is now one of several countries that childless couples. As the level of education has guaranteed full marriage rights to same increases among women, the proportion sex couples. with no children likewise increases.6 Indeed, the trend among many women and men in Although the 2001 Census asked general North American society is to first respondents (for the first time) to indicate if complete several years of post-secondary they were living in a same-sex arrangement, education, then become financially the information was significantly independent, and only then consider underestimated because follow-up studies marriage and children. suggested that many gay and lesbian couples did not acknowledge such arrangements. Fishman points to some concerns regarding Taking non-disclosure and sampling errors the temporary postponement of into account, it is not clear whether the 2011 childbearing, which she suggests has an National Household Survey data is impact on the ultimate size of the family. As sufficiently reliable for an analysis of same- women of child-bearing ages get older, the sex couples on the level of Jewish incidence of infertility increases. She populations in metropolitan areas.

6 See for example: Hartman, H. The Intersection of Gender and Religion in the Demography of Today’s American Jewish Families (Paper presented at the Brandeis University Seminar on Creating and Maintaining Jewish Families, March 25, 2007). Rose, E. Education, Hypergamy and 7 Fishman, S. The Larger Battle: The real fight facing the “Success Gap”. Department of Economics, American Jews is not against intermarriage but for University of Washington, April 2006. marriage itself. Mosaic Magazine (Sept 1, 2013).

3 The Trends in Perspective outside their faith. A description of this phenomenon and its implications for the Despite the changes in the structure of the Jewish community is discussed in the family unit, and the rise of non-traditional second part of this report. families, there is no doubt that marriage remains a popular institution among Jews The Focus of the Present Study and the general community alike. The present study has a number of aims. According to the 2011 National Household Firstly, it seeks to describe the Survey, 70.1% of Canadian Jews are likely demographics related to the Jewish family in to marry at least once by the time they reach the Ottawa Census Metropolitan Area 45 years of age. The figure is slightly lower (CMA) This corresponds to the Greater for the total Canadian population: 69.1% . will marry at least once by their 45th Ottawa Area, and includes within its birthday. parameters the Gatineau region in the province of Quebec, as well as the suburbs In recent years some women have and municipalities surrounding the city of experienced what demographers call "the Ottawa. marriage squeeze". Since women often marry men somewhat older than themselves, Another aim is to provide comparisons women born in the later years of the Baby across a series of variables between the Boom have experienced a dearth of eligible Ottawa Jewish and non-Jewish populations. 8 mates. Nonetheless, according to the 2011 The analysis will show whether we are National Household Survey, 91.5% of experiencing the same demographic Canadian Jewish Baby Boomers between characteristics evident in the community at 45-64 years have married at least once. large.

In terms of non-traditional families, one A further focus will be to provide an trend which was not mentioned above is the historical analysis related to the increasing frequency of intermarriages: that demographic trends described above. Is is, Jews who choose to marry someone Ottawa's Jewish population divorcing at higher levels than 10 or 20 years ago? Are 8 Della Pergola, S. Jewish Out-Marriage: A Global Perspective. International Roundtable on Intermarriage – Brandeis University, December 18, 2003.

4 fewer people living in married considerations related to the National arrangements? Household Survey, and their implications for interpreting the data presented in this The data analyzed in this report was study. obtained from the 2011 National Household Survey. A major limitation of this survey is A detailed explanation of the definition used that, unlike vital statistics which are kept on to identify Jewishness in this report is a continuous basis, we cannot know how presented in Appendix 2. A description of particular demographic characteristics changes to the Jewish definition is also change from year to year. discussed here.

For instance, we cannot know how many people married in a given year. It is also not Please note that there may be discrepancies possible to determine how frequently people between how Ottawa residents refer to have married, at what age they first married, specific neighborhoods and the geographic for how long they were married, or how labels and parameters described in the long it took them to remarry. Through the statistical tables. The reader may want to National Household Survey we can only verify the boundaries of the geographic units examine the number and proportion of used in this report by consulting the people who were married at the time the descriptions in Appendix 3. A map showing survey was taken. these areas is also included in this appendix.

On the other hand, given that no extensive Finally, Appendix 4 presents additional data vital statistics are available on the Jewish tables that provide more detailed community, say from municipal or hospital breakdowns related to the Jewish family. records, the National Household Survey represents a particularly valuable source of The reader should also note that any minor demographic information on Jewish family discrepancies found when totaling columns life, despite the limitations described above. or rows in the tables are due to random

rounding of data. Such rounding up or down A number of important appendices are is built into the Statistics Canada processing included in the back of this report. Appendix 1 is a discussion of methodological

5

Table 1A Household Type Jewish, Non-Jewish & Total Households Ottawa CMA

Total Jewish Households Non-Jewish Households

# % # % # %

Couples With Children 150,135 30.1 2,340 31.9 147,795 30.1

Couples Without Children 125,460 25.2 2,440 33.3 123,025 25.0

Lone Parents 52,050 10.4 430 5.9 51,615 10.5

Multiple-Family Households 6,480 1.3 85 1.2 6,395 1.3

Non-Family: One Person Only 140,660 28.2 1,820 24.8 138,850 28.3

Non-Family: Two Or More Persons 23,990 4.8 215 2.9 23,775 4.8

Total Households 498,775 100.0 7,330 100.0 491,455 100.0

Table 1B Household Size Jewish, Non-Jewish & Total Households Ottawa CMA

Total Jewish Households Non-Jewish Households

# % # % # %

One 140,660 28.2 1,815 24.7 138,850 28.3

Two 166,065 33.3 2,755 37.5 163,310 33.2

Three 80,205 16.1 1,145 15.6 79,055 16.1

Four 73,995 14.8 1,100 15.0 72,895 14.8

Five 26,440 5.3 360 4.9 26,085 5.3

Six 7,890 1.6 135 1.8 7,760 1.6

Seven or More 3,525 0.7 30 0.4 3,495 0.7

Total Households 498,780 100.0 7,340 100.0 491,450 100.0

Median Household Size 2.2 -- 2.2 -- 2.2 --

6 and cannot be avoided. These rounding households (31.9% and 30.1% respectively). errors are minor, with minimal impact on the On the other hand, non-Jewish households overall interpretation and reliability of the tend to have a higher percentage of lone data. parent arrangements than Jewish ones (10.5% and 5.9% respectively), and a higher

Jewish Households: Their Number, Size and Type percentage of single person arrangements than Jewish ones (28.3% and 24.8% As Table 1A indicates, there are 7,330 respectively). Jewish households in the Ottawa CMA. In

this report, a Jewish household is defined as Table 1B examines the size of Jewish, non- a unit in which at least one of the primary Jewish and total households in the Ottawa household maintainers is Jewish. This could CMA. Almost a quarter of Jewish be a spouse, a lone parent, or an unattached households (24.7%) have a single resident, individual. Jewish households comprise 37.5% have two residents, 15.6% have three 1.5% of total 498,780 households in the residents, and 15% have four residents. The Ottawa metropolitan area. rest (7.1%) have at least five residents.

The largest proportion of Jewish households Jewish households have a higher percentage involves couples without children (33.3%), of two-person units than non-Jewish followed by couples with children (31.9%), households. The latter have a higher single person households (24.8%), and lone proportion of single-person units. The parent arrangements (5.9%). Individuals differences for the other household sizes are living with non-relatives comprise 2.9% of not significant between the two groups. all households, and multiple families Finally, both Jewish and non-Jewish comprise 1.2%. households have identical median household

sizes (2.2 persons). Jewish households have a significantly higher percentage of couples without Living Arrangements children than non-Jewish households (33.3% and 25% respectively). Jewish households Table 2A looks at the living arrangements of also have a slightly higher percentage of Ottawa's Jewish, non-Jewish and total couples with children than non-Jewish

7

Table 2A Living Arrangement Jewish, Non-Jewish & Total Populations Ottawa CMA

Total Jews Non-Jews

# % # % # %

Couple Arrangement 854,265 70.3 10,490 74.9 843,775 70.2

Male Lone Parent 30,465 2.5 560 4.0 29,900 2.5

Female Lone-Parent 112,345 9.2 675 4.8 111,675 9.3

Living with Relatives 24,015 2.0 70 0.5 23,945 2.0

Living Alone or Non-Relatives 194,645 16.0 2,215 15.8 192,430 16.0

Total Individuals 1,215,735 100.0 14,010 100.0 1,201,725 100.0

Table 2B Living Arrangement by Gender Ottawa Jewish Population

Total Males Females

# % # % # %

Couple Arrangement 10,490 74.9 5,495 76.0 4,995 73.6

Male Lone Parent 560 4.0 380 5.3 180 2.7

Female Lone-Parent 675 4.8 245 3.4 430 6.3

Living with Relatives 70 0.5 15 0.2 60 0.9

Living Alone or Non-Relatives 2,215 15.8 1,095 15.1 1,120 16.5

Total Individuals 14,010 100.0 7,230 100.0 6,785 100.0

8 populations. About three-quarters (74.9%) families. When compared to the 2011 figure, of Jews live in couple arrangements, 4.8% this represents an increase of 88.5% in the live in female lone parent families, and 4% last twenty years. live in male lone parent families. In short, 83.7% of Jews live in families. Moreover, Table 2A also shows that 15.8% of all Jews 0.5% live with other relatives (such as a are unattached (live alone or with non- grandparent or sibling). relatives). In 2001, there was a lower proportion of unattached Jews (12.5%). The The percentage of Jews who live in families figure was 14.8% in 1991. Although the (83.7%) is lower than the proportion in 2001 proportion of unattached Jews has fluctuated (86.6%). It is slightly lower than the somewhat in the last two decades, it is percentage that lived in families in 1991 currently greater than in 1991. (84.3%).9 In short, the percentage of Jews living in families has fluctuated in the last In 2001 there were 1,680 unattached Jews in two decades, but is currently lower than it the Ottawa CMA, compared to 2,215 in was in 1991. 2011, an increase of 31.8%. In 1991 there were 1,640 unattached individuals, The percentage of Ottawa Jews living in compared to 2,215 in 2011. The number of single parent families (8.8%) is slightly unattached Jews has therefore increased by higher than in 2001 (8.1%). It was 5.6% in 35.1% in the last two decades. 1991. The figure has therefore continued to increase in the last two decades. Further calculations involving the 2011 National Household Survey reveal that of In 2011, there were 1,235 individuals living the 2,215 individuals who are unattached, in lone parent families, compared to 1,090 in 400 live with non-relatives, and 1,815 live 2001, an increase of 13.3%. In 1991, there alone. Those living alone comprise 13% of were 655 Jews living in single parent the total Jewish population in this metropolitan area (see Table 17A, 9 All 1991 data in Part 5 of this report were derived Appendix 4). from: Torczyner, J. & Brotman, S. Growth and Stability: The Demographic Characteristics of the Jewish Community of Ottawa. McGill Consortium for Ethnicity & Strategic Social Planning, 1996.

9

Table 2C Living Arrangement by Age Ottawa Jewish Population

0-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65+

# % # % # % # % # %

Couple Arrangement 1,955 86.5 1,470 68.5 2,180 71.7 3,475 75.8 1,405 71.9

Male Lone Parent 160 7.1 190 8.9 45 1.5 150 3.3 0 0.0

Female Lone-Parent 145 6.4 210 9.8 115 3.8 180 3.9 30 1.5

Living with Relatives 0 0.0 0 0.0 20 0.7 10 0.2 30 1.5

Living Alone or With Non-Relatives 0 0.0 275 12.8 680 22.4 770 16.8 490 25.1

Total Individuals 2,260 100.0 2,145 100.0 3,040 100.0 4,585 100.0 1,955 100.0

10 In 2001, 10.2% of the Jewish population Table 2C examines living arrangement by lived alone, compared to 13% in 2011. In age. The great majority of children (under 2001, there were 1,365 individuals living 15 years) live in couple arrangements alone compared to 1,815 in 2011, an (86.5%), whereas 6.4% live in female single increase of 33% in ten years. parent families, and 7.1% in male single parent families. In short, about one in seven According to Table 2A, the percentage who Jewish children in the Ottawa CMA live in live in couple arrangements is higher for lone parent families (13.5%). Jews (74.9%) than non-Jews (70.2%). The percentage of individuals between 15- There is a higher percentage of individuals 24 years who live in lone parent families is who live in female lone parent families 18.7%. However, it should be noted that a among non-Jews compared to Jews (9.3% small minority of these persons are likely and 4.8% respectively). Non-Jews are the parents themselves. About two-thirds generally more inclined to live in a single (68.5%) of individuals in this age group live parent family than Jews (11.8% and 8.8% in couple arrangements, whether as a spouse respectively). or child. Finally, 12.8% are unattached.

Finally, Jews and non-Jews have a very In terms of adults 25-44 years, 71.7% live in similar percentage of those residing alone or couple arrangements, 5.3% in lone parent with non-relatives (15.8% and 16% families, 0.7% are living with relatives, and respectively). 22.4% are unattached. Note that it is not possible to know in the case of lone parent According to Table 2B, Jewish males are families, whether the above number refers to more likely than females to reside in couple parents or their children. families (76% and 73.6% respectively). On the other hand, females are more likely to be In terms of middle aged Jews (45-64 years), living alone or with non-relatives than males 75.8% live in couple arrangements, 7.2% in (16.5% and 15.1% respectively). In the lone parent arrangements, 0.2% with other cases of both these categories of living relatives, and 16.8% are unattached. arrangements the discrepancies are not large.

11

Table 2D Living Arrangement by Geographic Areas Ottawa Jewish Population (Row %)

Living Alone or With Couple Arrangement Male Lone parent Female Lone Parent With Relatives Non-Relatives District # % # % # % # % # %

Centretown 1,465 61.0 105 4.4 95 4.0 15 0.6 720 30.0

Ottawa West 1,395 78.4 45 2.5 60 3.4 0 0.0 280 15.7

Nepean West 850 74.6 35 3.1 85 7.5 0 0.0 170 14.9

Nepean South 2,335 82.8 120 4.3 130 4.6 20 0.7 215 7.6

Barrhaven South 845 82.4 40 3.9 60 5.9 0 0.0 80 7.8

Alta Vista 1,265 69.5 65 3.6 75 4.1 0 0.0 415 22.8

Ottawa East 330 64.1 20 3.9 60 11.7 10 1.9 95 18.4

Orleans / Residual East 515 77.4 35 5.3 40 6.0 0 0.0 75 11.3

Kanata / Residual West 590 84.3 0 0.0 35 5.0 0 0.0 75 10.7

Rest of Ottawa CMA 340 91.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 30 8.1

Gatineau 555 85.4 0 0.0 35 5.4 0 0.0 60 9.2

Ottawa / Gatineau CMA 10,490 74.9 560 4.0 675 4.8 70 0.5 2,215 15.8

12 Finally, almost three-quarters of Jewish The highest percentage of individuals seniors (71.9%) live in couple arrangements, residing in lone parent families is found in 1.5% in lone parent families, 1.5% with Ottawa East (15.6%), followed by Orleans / other relatives, and about a quarter (25.1%) Residual East (11.3%) and Nepean West are unattached. (10.6%). Note that in all these areas the actual numbers of those living in lone parent A closer examination of elderly who are arrangements are fairly small, and hence unattached (Table 17C, Appendix 4) shows subject to sampling errors. In absolute terms, that 23.7% of Jewish seniors are in fact the largest numbers of single parent families living alone, and 1% are living with non- are located in Nepean South (250), relatives. While seniors represent 14% of all Centretown (200) and Alta Vista (140). Jews, they account for 25.6% of all Jews who live alone. In terms of unattached individuals (living alone or with non-relatives), the highest Table 2D examines living arrangements for percentage is found in Centretown (30%), Jewish populations across geographic areas. followed by Alta Vista (22.8%). In terms of The highest percentage of those living in absolute numbers, the largest contingents of couple arrangements among primary areas is unattached individuals are found in found in Gatineau (85.4%), followed by Centretown (720), Alta Vista (415), and Kanata / Residual West (84.3%) and Nepean Ottawa West (280). South (82.8%). The miscellaneous area of "Rest of Ottawa CMA" has 91.9% of Marital Status individuals living in couple arrangements. The lowest percentage is in Centretown Table 3A examines the marital status of (61%). In absolute terms, Nepean South has Ottawa's Jewish, non-Jewish and total the largest number of individuals living in populations. A significant proportion of the couple families (2,335), followed by Jewish population is married (43.9%), Centretown (1,465) and Ottawa West followed by 40.3% who are single (never (1,395). married). 6.7% of Ottawa’s Jews are

13

Table 3A Marital Status Jewish, Non-Jewish & Total Populations of Ottawa CMA

Total Jews Non-Jews

# % # % # %

Now Married 459,365 37.8 6,150 43.9 453,215 37.7

Common Law 118,355 9.7 895 6.4 117,460 9.8

Single / Never Married 509,695 41.9 5,645 40.3 504,055 41.9

Divorced / Separated 86,980 7.2 945 6.7 86,035 7.2

Widowed 41,345 3.4 375 2.7 40,965 3.4

Total Individuals 1,215,740 100.0 14,010 100.0 1,201,730 100.0

Table 3B Marital Status by Gender Jewish Population of Ottawa CMA

Total Males Females

# % # % # %

Now Married 6,150 43.9 3,170 43.8 2,980 44.0

Common Law 895 6.4 540 7.5 355 5.2

Single / Never Married 5,645 40.3 2,980 41.2 2,670 39.4

Divorced / Separated 945 6.7 470 6.5 475 7.0

Widowed 375 2.7 75 1.0 300 4.4

Total Individuals 14,010 100.0 7,235 100.0 6,780 100.0

14 divorced / separated, 6.4% are living in Males are more inclined to be single (never common law arrangements, and 2.7% are married) than females (41.2% and 39.4% widowed. respectively). On the other hand, females are slightly more likely to be divorced / The proportion of married individuals separated than males (7% and 6.5% among Jews (43.9%) is greater than for non- respectively). Females are also more likely Jews (37.7%); but there is a larger to be widowed than males (4.4% and 1%). proportion of non-Jews who are involved in common law partnerships (9.8%) than Jews It is difficult to clearly understand marital (6.4%). The second part of this report on status as a demographic variable without intermarriage will address the issue of examining its relationship to age. Table 3C common law partnerships more extensively. shows marital status across age cohorts for the Jewish population. Not surprisingly, the There is a slightly higher percentage of great majority of those between 15-24 years single (never married) individuals among of age are single / never married (94.9%). non-Jews than Jews (41.9% and 40.3% respectively). There is also a higher Further calculations reveal that 3.4% of percentage of divorced / separated Jews between 18-26 years of age are individuals among non-Jews than Jews married and 6% are living in common law (7.2% and 6.7% respectively); and a larger partnerships. This compares to 5% and proportion of widowed individuals among 11.6% among non-Jews who are married non-Jews than Jews (3.4% and 2.7% and living out of wedlock, respectively. In respectively). summary, Jews in young adulthood (< 27 years) are less inclined to marry compared Table 3B looks at marital status by gender to non-Jews, and significantly less inclined among Ottawa's Jews. Males and females to live in common law partnerships. are about equally likely to be married (43.8% and 44% respectively). However, Regarding the 25-44 age cohort, 52.5% of men are more inclined to be in a common Jews are married, and 14% live in common law relationship than women (7.5% and law arrangements. Almost a third (30.6%) 5.2% respectively).

15

Table 3C Marital Status by Age Ottawa Jewish Population

0-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65+

# % # % # % # % # %

Now Married 0 0.0 55 2.6 1,595 52.5 3,160 69.0 1,335 67.9

Common Law 0 0.0 55 2.6 425 14.0 325 7.1 85 4.3

Single / Never Married 2,255 100.0 2,040 94.9 930 30.6 345 7.5 65 3.3

Divorced / Separated 0 0.0 0 0.0 90 3.0 705 15.4 150 7.6

Widowed 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 45 1.0 330 16.8

Total Individuals 2,255 100.0 2,150 100.0 3,040 100.0 4,580 100.0 1,965 100.0

16 are single / never married, and 3% are In 2001, 6.5% of adult Jews (15+ years) divorced / separated. were divorced / separated, compared to 8.1% in 2011. More than a quarter (28.2%) In terms of middle-aged adults between 45- of adult Jews were single (never married) in 64 years, more than two-thirds (69%) are 2001, compared to 28.8% in 2011. Finally, married, and 7.1% live in common law 4.2% were widowed in 2001 compared to arrangements. Only 7.5% are single / never 3.2% in 2011. married, 15.4% are divorced / separated, and 1% are widowed. In short, there has been a decrease in the percentage of those who are married. On the Finally, 67.9% of seniors are married, and other hand, there have been increases 4.3% are living in common law among those living in common law arrangements. Only 3.3% of Jewish elderly arrangements and divorced individuals in are single / never married, 7.6% are the last decade. Finally, the percentages of divorced / separated, and 16.8% are single / never married individuals, as well as widowed. widows, were similar for 2001 and 2011.

What can we conclude about the marital A clearer picture emerges when one status of adult Jews (15+ years)? More than examines these categories in terms of half (52.4%) are now married, 7.6% are absolute numbers. For instance, in 2001 living in common law arrangements, 28.8% there were 5,955 Jewish adults who were are single (never married), 8.1% are married in the community compared to divorced / separated, and 3.2% are widowed. 6,145 in 2011, an increase of only 3.2%. In 2001 there were 585 living in common law How do these figures compare to the 2001 situations compared to 890 in 2011, an adult Jewish population (15+ years)? In increase of 52.1%. 2001, 55.6% were married, compared to 52.4% in 2011. There were 5.5% living in In 2001 there were 3,025 single individuals common law arrangements in 2001, among Jewish adults compared to 3,380 in compared to 7.6% in 2011. 2011, an increase of 11.7%. There were 700

17

Table 3D Marital Status by Geographic Areas Ottawa Jewish Population (Row %)

Now Married Common Law Single / Never Married Divorced / Separated Widowed

District # % # % # % # % # %

Centretown 795 33.1 260 10.8 1,155 48.1 165 6.9 25 1.0

Ottawa West 805 45.4 110 6.2 700 39.4 90 5.1 70 3.9

Nepean West 590 51.3 45 3.9 405 35.2 75 6.5 35 3.0

Nepean South 1,365 48.2 70 2.5 1,180 41.7 170 6.0 45 1.6

Barrhaven South 460 45.5 40 4.0 435 43.1 75 7.4 0 0.0

Alta Vista 830 45.5 95 5.2 575 31.5 185 10.1 140 7.7

Ottawa East 160 31.4 55 10.8 245 48.0 50 9.8 0 0.0

Orleans / Residual East 340 50.7 45 6.7 230 34.3 35 5.2 20 3.0

Kanata / Residual West 380 47.5 35 4.4 305 38.1 70 8.8 10 1.3

Rest of Ottawa CMA 200 53.3 20 5.3 140 37.3 15 4.0 0 0.0

Gatineau 225 35.2 115 18.0 280 43.8 20 3.1 0 0.0

Ottawa / Gatineau CMA 6,150 43.9 895 6.4 5,645 40.3 945 6.7 375 2.7

18 divorced / separated individuals in 2001 once. Finally, by 65 years, 92.5% have compared to 945 in 2011, an increase of married at least once. 35%. Finally, there were 455 widowed persons in 2001 compared to 375 in 2011, a In terms of non-Jews, 8.1% marry at least decrease of 17.6%. once by their 25th year, compared to 5.2% of Jews. More than two-thirds (71.5%) of non- Hence, in relative terms, the fastest growing Jews marry at least once by the age of 45 groups as far as marital status is concerned years, compared to 69.5% of Jews. Finally, are those choosing to live in common law 88.9% of non-Jews marry at least once by arrangements (+52.1%) and those who are their 65th year, compared to 92.5% of Jews. divorced / separated (+35%). All in all, Jews tend to marry later, but catch up and surpass non-Jews in their middle age. Unfortunately, detailed information on marital status is not available from the 1991 Table 3D examines marital status across Census and therefore no comparisons can be geographic areas for Ottawa’s Jewish made for statistics spanning the last two population. Among primary areas, the decades. largest proportions of married individuals are found in Nepean West (51.3%) and Another way of looking at marital status is Orleans / Residual East (50.7%). The to calculate the percentage of individuals highest percentage is actually in the who have been married at least once by the miscellaneous area of "Rest of Ottawa time they reach a certain age level. This CMA" (53.3%). In absolute terms, the involves totaling the figures for Jewish largest number of married individuals is married, divorced, separated and widowed located in Nepean South (1,365), followed adults in the 2011 National Household by Alta Vista (830) and Ottawa West (805). Survey. The highest levels of Jews living in common Thus, by the age of 25 years, only 5.2% of law arrangements are found in Centretown Jews have married at least once. By the age and Ottawa East (both 10.8%); although the of 45 years, 69.5% have married at least latter only has 55 such individuals in total.

19

Table 4 Family Structure Jewish, Non-Jewish & Total Families of Ottawa CMA

Total Jewish Families Non-Jewish Families

# % # % # %

Couples: With Children 154,190 45.3 2,380 44.8 151,810 45.3

Couples: Without Children 130,665 38.3 2,515 47.4 128,150 38.2

Male Lone Parent 12,155 3.6 190 3.6 11,965 3.6

Female Lone Parent 43,730 12.8 225 4.2 43,505 13.0

Total Families 340,740 100.0 5,310 100.0 335,430 100.0

Table 5 Number of Children in Household Jewish, Non-Jewish & Total Families of Ottawa CMA

Total Jewish Families

# % # %

None 130,670 38.3 2,515 47.4

One 92,670 27.2 1,115 21.0

Two 84,450 24.8 1,285 24.2

Three 25,315 7.4 275 5.2

Four 5,525 1.6 95 1.8

Five or More 2,105 0.6 25 0.5

Total Families 340,735 100.0 5,310 100.0

Median # of Children 1.4 1.1

20 In absolute terms, there are 260 individuals (47.4%) of all Jewish families involve living out of wedlock in Centretown, couples without children, 44.8% couples followed by 115 in Gatineau and 110 in with children, and 7.8% are lone parent Ottawa West. families. Note that this table does not include households with only a single The highest percentage of Jewish singles is person, or those living with extended likewise found in Centretown (48.1%), relatives or non-relatives, because these are followed by Ottawa East (48%). In short, not considered to be family units in this almost half of Jews in these areas are single breakdown. (never married). However, in absolute terms, Nepean South has the largest number of Of 415 single parent families, 54.2% are single individuals (1,180). Most of these are headed by a female, and 45.8% by a male. In children under the age of 15 years. short, there are only slightly more single Centretown has 1,155 single individuals. parent families headed by a female than a male. The highest percentages of divorced / separated individuals are found in Alta Vista The percentage of lone parent families has (10.1%) and Ottawa East (9.8%). In absolute fluctuated somewhat in the last twenty years. terms, the largest numbers are found in Alta In 1991, single parent households comprised Vista (185), Nepean South (170) and 7% of all Jewish families in the Ottawa Centretown (165). metropolitan area. This figure rose to 8.7% in 2001, and diminished to 7.8% in 2011. Finally, by far the highest level of widowed individuals is found in Alta Vista (7.7%). There is a slightly lower percentage of This area has the largest number of widowed arrangements involving couples with Jews in the Ottawa CMA (140). children among Jewish families (44.8%), than non-Jewish families (45.3%). There is a Family Structure & Number of much higher percentage of childless couples Children in Household among Jewish families (47.4%) compared with non-Jewish families (38.2%). However, As Table 4 indicates, there are 5,310 Jewish there is a significantly lower percentage of families in the Ottawa CMA. About half

21 lone parent families among Jewish families In terms of Jewish families, further analysis (7.8%) compared with non-Jewish families of the National Household Survey reveals (16.6%). that the median number of children living at home in arrangements involving couples Table 5 examines the number of children in with children is 2.2, whereas it is 1.8 for the households of Jewish and total families female lone parent families, and 2.3 for male in the Ottawa CMA. It should be noted that lone parent families (Table 18, Appendix 4). “number of children in the household” is not a measure of fertility, because children The Challenges Ahead living outside the household are not considered in this breakdown. Demographics, communal priorities and public policy are starting points in planning There is a higher proportion of childless services for Ottawa’s Jewish families. The households among Jewish families than total changing Jewish family poses significant families (47.4% and 38.3% respectively). challenges as the community plans for the There is a higher proportion of households future. It is becoming increasingly more with one child among total than Jewish diverse: made up of two-parent and one- families (27.2% and 21% respectively). The parent families, married and co-habiting percentage of two-children families is couples, same-sex couples and straight similar for both groups. Total families are couples, blended families, adoptive families more inclined to have at least three children and childless families. than Jewish households (9.6% and 7.5% respectively). Understanding this, we need to examine the

composition of the Jewish family, its The median number of children living at challenges, and what role the organized home is higher among total families than Jewish community can assume in Jewish families (1.4 and 1.1 children translating, advocating for, and responding respectively). Note again that these are not to its needs. measures of fertility.

The National Household Survey data indicate several key trends for the local

22 Jewish population. The number of Jews Whereas issues of Jewish identity remain living alone, or not with their families, is strictly in our domain, delivery of quality increasing. The number of divorced or health and social services are much more separated individuals has also continued to dependent on public policy and its grow. There is a significant rise in the implementation. The organized Jewish number of single parent families, often community may enhance the efficacy of the resulting in households with less income and social safety net, but cannot hope to replace diminished support networks. it. With government downloading of health and social services onto the community, we These trends have been on the rise for many are feeling the strain of filling the gaps. The years, and based on past data, we can project Jewish community needs to focus its efforts their continued upward movement. To a on developing partnerships to advocate with great degree, the Jewish community mirrors local, provincial and federal governments the broader society, so we must also for minimum wage and income standards, consider the social impact of wider home care and education, housing and movements, such as the influence of the health care, to meet the needs of diverse Baby Boomers as they enter their pension family structures. years, and continued and growing concerns about social and environmental security.

23

24 Part 6: Intermarriage

The 2011 National Household Survey can be arrangements. In this report, common law used to analyze the incidence of and same-sex arrangements refer to a union intermarriage in the Ottawa Jewish between “partners”, whereas individuals community. Specifically, intermarriage in who are married are referred to as this report is defined as a situation where a “spouses”. person who falls under the Revised Jewish Definition (See Appendix 2) marries Levels of Intermarriage in the someone who is not included under this Ottawa CMA criterion. It is then possible to cross-tabulate What is the level of intermarriage among intermarriage with a number of other Ottawa’s Jews? In other words, what variables to profile those who are most percentage of currently married / partnered likely to marry outside their faith. Jews have a non-Jewish spouse / partner?

Table 6A indicates that there are 4,160 Jews It is noteworthy that individuals who who are married / partnered to other Jews, converted to Judaism are considered as and 2,815 Jews who are married / partnered Jewish according to the Revised Jewish to non-Jews. The total number of Jews who Definition. Thus, intermarriage as described are married / partnered is therefore 6,975. in this report only examines couples where Hence, the 2,815 individuals married / the non-Jewish spouse did not convert to partnered to non-Jews represent an Judaism. It is not possible to identify intermarriage rate of 40.4%. conversionary marriages using the National

Household Survey information alone, as Of 2,815 spouses / partners who live in those who have converted would have intermarried arrangements, 1,595 (56.7%) identified themselves as Jews. live in situations where the husband is

Jewish and the wife is non-Jewish; and It is also important to mention that common 1,220 (43.3%) are living in arrangements law unions are included in the following where the husband is non-Jewish and the statistics on intermarriage, as are same-sex 25 Table 6A Intermarriage Breakdowns Base Population: Jewish Spouses / Partners # %

Husband Jewish / Wife Jewish 4,160 59.6

Intermarried: Husband Jewish / Wife Non-Jewish 1,595 22.9

Intermarried: Husband Non-Jewish / Wife Jewish 1,220 17.5

(Subtotal: Intermarried) (2,815) (40.4)

Total Spouses / Partners 6,975 100.0

Table 6B Intermarriage Breakdowns Base Population: Individuals Living in Couple Households # %

Husband Jewish / Wife Jewish 6,230 60.2

Husband Jewish / Wife Non-Jewish 2,215 21.4

Husband Non-Jewish / Wife Jewish 1,910 18.4

(Subtotal: Living in Intermarried Households) (4,125) (39.8)

Total Individuals Living in Couple Households 10,355 100.0 Note: The above analysis is based on individuals (including children).

Table 6C Intermarriage Breakdowns Historical Trends Year # Living in Intermarriage Intermarried Rate Families

2011 4,125 39.8

2001 3,390 32.0

1991 2,175 24.9 Note: The above analysis is based on individuals (including children).

26 wife is Jewish. In other words, Jewish men retaining custody of the children, who are are more inclined to intermarry than Jewish nonetheless considered Jewish. women. The figures presented in Tables 6A and 6B

represent different approaches to calculating The intermarriage rate among Ottawa’s the intermarriage rate: counting couples Jewish population (40.4%) is among the versus number of individuals. In the final highest of any major Jewish community in calculations both figures turn out to be very the country. Only the Greater Vancouver similar (40.4% and 39.8% respectively). The Jewish community has a higher level of figure based on individuals is usually lower intermarriage (43.4%). The rates of because intermarried couples tend to have intermarriage include 16.7% for Montreal, fewer children than intra-married ones, and 18% for Toronto, and 25.4% for the are therefore more inclined to be under- Winnipeg Jewish community. The Canadian represented using this approach. intermarriage rate is 26.3%, well below the figure for Ottawa's Jewish population. Depending on whether the focus is on the

level of individuals (including children) or Another way of looking at intermarriage couples, both figures will be used in future focuses on the total number of Jews living in breakdowns and comparisons presented in intermarried families, including children. this report. However, the figure based on According to Table 6B, there are 4,125 couples is considered the primary individuals who live in intermarried intermarriage rate. The figure based on households. This represents 39.8% of all individuals (including children) is a individuals living in couple arrangements. secondary rate that is only used in certain

analyses. All statistical tables that involve Not included in Table 6B are 135 Jewish the latter breakdowns are indicated with a children who are living in situations where note that specifies: “The above analysis is neither parent is Jewish. They may be based on individuals (including children)”. products of mixed marriages, where the

non-Jewish partner has divorced and then

married someone outside the faith while

27

Table 7 Individuals Living in Intermarried Households By Geographic Areas (Row %)

Total Both Spouses Jewish Intermarried District # # % # %

Centretown 1,450 750 51.7 700 48.3

Ottawa West 1,390 875 62.9 515 37.1

Nepean West 855 655 76.6 200 23.4

Nepean South 2,325 1,935 83.2 390 16.8

Barrhaven South 820 490 59.8 330 40.2

Alta Vista 1,245 705 56.6 540 43.4

Ottawa East 315 125 39.7 190 60.3

Orleans / Residual East 500 145 29.0 355 71.0

Kanata / Residual West 570 310 54.4 260 45.6

Rest of Ottawa CMA 340 130 38.2 210 61.8

Gatineau 530 110 20.8 420 79.2

Ottawa / Gatineau CMA 10,355 6,230 60.2 4,125 39.8 Note: The above analysis is based on individuals (including children).

28 Table 6C provides an historical perspective large numbers of intermarried are also found on intermarriage rates. In 2001, 3,390 out of in Alta Vista (540), Ottawa West (515), and 10,580 Jews who lived in couple Gatineau (420). arrangements were intermarried, yielding an intermarriage rate of 32%. In 1991, 2,175 In relative terms, the area with the largest Jews lived in intermarried partnerships out proportion of those living in intermarried of a total 8,720 who lived in couple households is Gatineau. More than three- arrangements. The intermarriage rate was quarters (79.2%) of Jews residing in thus 24.9% in 1991. Gatineau live in such arrangements. Orleans / Residual East also has a large percentage In short, in the last decade, the of intermarried Jews (71%), followed by the intermarriage rate has increased from 32% "Rest of Ottawa CMA" (61.8%) and Ottawa in 2001 to 39.8% in 2011. The number of East (60.3%). Jews living in intermarried families has increased from 3,390 in 2001 to 4,125 in The area with the lowest proportion of Jews 2011. living in intermarried households is Nepean South, with 16.8%. There is also a relatively In the last two decades, the intermarriage low percentage in Nepean West (23.4%). rate has increased from 24.9% in 1991 to 39.8% in 2011. The number of Jews living in The Characteristics of Intermarried intermarried families has increased from Households

2,175 in 1991 to 4,125 in 2011. Table 8 looks at the ages of Jewish spouses /

partners living in intermarried arrangements. Where Do Individuals Living in Intermarried Households Reside? Note that the age categories represented in this table may overlap with one another. Table 7 looks at the geographic distribution American studies have shown that younger of individuals (including children) living in adults are more inclined to intermarry than different couple arrangements. Centretown has the largest number of Jews living in intermarried households (700). Relatively 29

Table 8 Intermarried Households Age of Spouses / Partners (Row %)

Total Both Spouses Jewish Intermarried

# # % # %

Both Spouses < 30 Years 330 150 45.5 180 54.5

Only One Spouse 30-39 Years 555 220 39.6 335 60.4

Only One Spouse > 39 Years 400 180 45.0 220 55.0

Both Spouses > 39 Years 5,335 3,490 65.4 1,845 34.6 Note: The age categories described above may overlap with one another.

30 their older counterparts.10 This finding seems interpreting these trends, since sampling to be verified by the current National errors may have skewed the data. The 2011 Household Survey data, although the National Household Survey, in particular, is interaction between the two variables is not prone to sampling errors in the case of small necessarily linear. data sets simply because of the nature of its methodology. For instance, the intermarriage rate when both spouses are less than 30 years of age is If both spouses were older than 39 years the 54.5%. It is 60.4% if only one spouse is intermarriage rate was 24.1% in 2001, between 30-39 years, 55% if there is only compared to 34.6% in 2011. The total one spouse greater than 39 years, and 34.6% number of Jewish couples in this age group if both spouses are older than 39 years. It was much larger and hence these figures are seems that the intermarriage rate for more likely to be reliable than for younger younger couples (< 39 years) is significantly couples less than 30 years. higher than for older ones. In fact, this higher rate of intermarriage for young Table 9 provides an interesting statistic. adults in the Ottawa Jewish community Almost half of Jewish children under 15 (from 54.5% to 60.4%, depending on the age years (46.4%), who reside with both parents, combination used) is among the more live in an intermarried arrangement. This noteworthy findings of this report. represents 880 children.

Interestingly, the intermarriage rate for It should be noted that the above statistics households where both spouses were less likely underestimate the number of children than 30 years was 69.6% in 2001, above the residing in intermarried families, since only level for 2011 (54.5%). However, the small those identified as being Jewish by their numbers of total (Jewish and intermarried) parents are included in this count. Later data couples (230 in 2001 and 330 in 2011) presented in this report will show that a suggest that caution should be used in significant percentage of younger children in intermarried families are not considered to

10 Dashefsy, A. & Heller, Z. Intermarriage and Jewish be Jewish by their parents. Journeys in the United States. The National Center for Jewish Policy Studies at Hebrew College, 2008. 31

Table 9 Individuals Living in Intermarried Households Age Breakdowns (Row %)

Total Both Spouses Jewish Intermarried Age Cohort # # % # %

0-14 1,895 1,015 53.6 880 46.4

15-24 1,410 950 67.4 460 32.6

25-44 2,180 1,045 47.9 1,135 52.1

45-64 3,470 2,255 65.0 1,215 35.0

65+ 1,400 970 69.3 430 30.7

Total Individuals Living in Couple Households 10,355 6,235 60.2 4,120 39.8

0-4 635 255 40.2 380 59.8 Note: The above analysis is based on individuals (including children).

32

Table 10 Number of Children in Intermarried Households

Total Both Spouses Jewish Intermarried Number of Children # % # % # %

None 2,515 51.4 1,005 48.3 1,510 53.6

One 915 18.7 415 20.0 500 17.8

Two 1,100 22.5 455 21.9 645 22.9

Three 250 5.1 130 6.3 120 4.3

Four 95 1.9 55 2.6 40 1.4

Five or more 20 0.4 20 1.0 0 0.0

Total Couple Households 4,895 100.0 2,080 100.0 2,815 100.0

Mean Number -- 1.1 0.9 Note: The above analysis is based on individuals (including children).

Table 11 Family Structure in Intermarried Households

Total Both Spouses Jewish Intermarried Family Structure # % # % # %

Married couples 4,070 83.0 2,025 97.1 2,045 72.5

Common-law couples 835 17.0 60 2.9 775 27.5

Total Couple Households 4,905 100.0 2,085 100.0 2,820 100.0

33 Table 12 Individuals Living in Intermarried Households by Place of Birth (Row %) Total Both Spouses Jewish Intermarried Place of Birth # # % # %

Canada 7,280 4,330 59.5 2,950 40.5

Israel 350 220 62.9 130 37.1

Eastern Europe (excl. FSU) 325 185 56.9 140 43.1

Former Soviet Union 855 620 72.5 235 27.5

Western Europe 450 235 52.2 215 47.8

North Africa / Middle East (excl. Israel) 120 80 66.7 40 33.3

United States 715 420 58.7 295 41.3

South America 35 35 100.0 0 0.0

Other 195 95 48.7 100 51.3

Total Individuals Living in Couple Households 10,325 6,220 60.2 4,105 39.8 Note: The above analysis is based on individuals (including children).

Table 13 Individuals Living in Intermarried Households by Year of Immigration (Row %) Total Both Spouses Jewish Intermarried Year of Immigration # # % # %

Non-immigrants 7,410 4,415 59.6 2,995 40.4

Before 1960 405 215 53.1 190 46.9

1960 - 1969 405 215 53.1 190 46.9

1970 - 1979 365 240 65.8 125 34.2

1980 - 1989 290 170 58.6 120 41.4

1990 - 1999 670 420 62.7 250 37.3

2000 - 2011 690 465 67.4 225 32.6

Non-permanent residents 120 90 75.0 30 25.0

Total Individuals Living in Couple Households 10,355 6,230 60.2 4,125 39.8 Note: The above analysis is based on individuals (including children).

34 Table 10 shows the number of children Table 11 looks at family structure by couple living at home by various couple arrangements. It can be seen that the arrangements. When both spouses are percentage of common law arrangements Jewish, the mean number of children living among intermarried households is at home is slightly higher than in significantly higher than among those where intermarried situations (1.1 and 0.9 children both spouses are Jewish (27.5% and 2.9% respectively). Although both figures appear respectively). In short, more than a quarter low, the reader should note that these are not of intermarried couples live in a common measures of fertility, because they do not law situation. take into account children living outside the home. The level of common law arrangements among the intermarried (27.5%) is even Further analysis reveals that whether the higher than those for the overall Ottawa and wife or husband intermarries makes little Ontario populations (20.8% and 13% difference in terms of the number of respectively). children living at home. Intermarried families with a Jewish husband register an It is also noteworthy that 92.8% of all average of 1 child per household compared common law arrangements (with at least to 0.9 when the wife is Jewish. one Jewish partner) involve an intermarried couple. Only 50.2% of married partnerships Arrangements in which both spouses are (with at least one Jewish partner) are Jewish have a significantly higher intermarried. percentage of households with at least three children living at home, compared to Who Intermarries? intermarried arrangements (9.9% and 5.7% respectively). Intermarried families are more Table 12 looks at intermarriage by place of likely to be childless than in-married birth. Jews born in Canada have an households (53.6% and 48.3% respectively). intermarriage rate of 40.5%. In absolute terms, individuals who were born in this

35

Table 14 Intermarried Households Education of Spouses / Partners (Row %)

Total Both Spouses Jewish Intermarried

# # % # %

Both Spouses Less Than Univ. Education 1,150 640 55.7 510 44.3

Only One Spouse Univ. Undergraduate Degree 1,665 880 52.9 785 47.1

Only One Spouse Univ. Graduate Degree 2,245 1,370 61.0 875 39.0

Both Spouses University Graduate Degrees 1,570 1,080 68.8 490 31.2 Note: The age categories described above may overlap with one another.

36 country represent by far the largest number immigrants who arrived between 2000-2011 of intermarried individuals (2,950). have an intermarriage rate of 32.6%. Those who immigrated between 1990-1999 have Jews from Western Europe have the highest an intermarriage level of 37.3%, compared level of intermarriage among immigrants to 41.4% for those who came between 1980- (47.8%). The lowest incidence of 1989. The highest intermarriage level among intermarriage is found among those born in immigrants is for those who arrived before the Former Soviet Union (27.5%). There is 1970 (46.9%). no intermarriage registered among Jews from South America, but their total number Table 14 examines the relationship between is so small that no statistical conclusions can level of education and intermarriage. Note be drawn with confidence. that some education categories described in this table overlap with one another. The In absolute terms, individuals originating findings suggest that a lower level of from the United States have the largest education among spouses is related to a number of intermarried persons of any higher level of intermarriage. Jewish immigrant group in the Ottawa CMA (295). For instance, when both spouses have less than a university education, the Regarding statistics related to intermarriage intermarriage level is 44.3%. If only one of and year of immigration, it is not possible the spouses has a university undergraduate using the National Household Survey data degree the intermarriage rate rises to 47.1%. alone to determine whether individuals had But if only one spouse has a university intermarried in this country, or had arrived graduate degree the intermarriage level here with their non-Jewish spouse. drops significantly to 39%. Finally, when both spouses have university graduate According to Table 13, recent immigrants degrees, such as MAs or PhDs, the generally have lower levels of intermarriage intermarriage rate is lowest (31.2%). compared to those who immigrated in the more distant past. The most recent

37

Table 15A Intermarriage Breakdowns Family Income

Total Both Spouses Jewish Intermarried

# # % # %

Under $25,000 100 65 65.0 35 35.0

$25,000 - $49,999 410 180 43.9 230 56.1

$50,000 - $99,999 1,235 375 30.4 860 69.6

$100,000 - $149,999 1,185 470 39.7 715 60.3

$150,000 or more 1,970 1,000 50.8 970 49.2

Total Couple Households 4,900 2,090 42.7 2,810 57.3

Table 15B Intermarriage Breakdowns Median Family Income Median Income ($)

Both Spouses Jewish 143,321

Intermarried 115,367

38 It is interesting that studies in the United distribution, intermarriage levels range from States confirm such an inverse link between 56.1% to 69.6%. level of education and intermarriage. The National Jewish Population Survey (2000- Trends from the National Jewish Population 2001) found that 34% of those with a high Survey in the United States (2000-2001) are school education or less were intermarried, compatible with the current findings. The compared to 31% with a university American study found that intermarriage undergraduate degree, and 27% with a levels peaked in the middle of the income university graduate degree.11 Cohen (1989) distribution, and were less pronounced in the reports that among American men who extremes. For instance, 38% of households never attended university, the intermarriage earning between $50,000-$99,999 were rate is over 40%; whereas of those with an intermarried, compared to 32% of undergraduate degree, only 18% are households earning less than $25,000, and intermarried.12 28% of households earning more than $150,000.13 As Table 15A shows, intermarriage seems to be least prevalent in the extremes of the As Table 15B shows, the median income of income distribution. Those families earning intermarried couples ($115,367) is lower under $25,000 have the lowest intermarriage than that of arrangements where both level (35%). However, note that there are spouses are Jewish ($143,321). fewer total individuals in this income category so statistical conclusions should be The Affiliations of Children in drawn with caution. Those earning $150K+ Intermarried Families have the next lowest level of intermarriage How children are being brought up in (49.2%). In the middle of the income intermarried families has profound

11 NJPS (2000-01) Report on Jewish Life: Variations in Intermarriage. See the United Jewish Communities Web Site: http://www.ujc.org 13 Special analysis done of NJPS 2000-2001 and 12 Cohen, S. Alternative Families in the Jewish personally communicated to the authors by J. Ament, Community. The American Jewish Committee, Senior Project Director, Research Department, Institute of Human Relations (1989). United Jewish Communities. 39

Table 16 Religion of Youngest Child in Intermarried Households

Husband Jewish / Wife Husband Non-Jewish /

Both Spouses Jewish Non-Jewish Wife Jewish Total Intermarried Religion of Youngest Child # % # % # % # %

Jewish 995 92.1 150 19.9 220 41.1 370 28.6

Catholic 0 0.0 125 16.6 25 4.7 150 11.6

Protestant 0 0.0 60 7.9 15 2.8 80 6.2

Christian Orthodox 0 0.0 15 2.0 0 0.0 15 1.2

No religious affiliation 85 7.9 405 53.6 275 51.4 680 52.5

All other religions 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0

Total Couple Households 1,080 100.0 755 100.0 535 100.0 1,295 100.0

40 implications for the issue of Jewish In other words, almost three-quarters continuity. Since the intermarriage level (71.5%) of these children in intermarried among Ottawa’s Jews is 39.8%, and has families are not identified as belonging to risen steadily over the past 20 years, there is the religious orientation of the Jewish little doubt that the community cannot afford spouse. It is difficult to say whether they are to lose these families to the pressures of having either minimal or no exposure to assimilation. Judaism, but the findings are suggestive nonetheless. Table 16 is very revealing in this regard. As expected, among families where both Table 16 also shows that whether a Jewish parents are Jewish, the great majority of the man or woman intermarries is a critical youngest children (92.1%) are identified by factor in the identification of the youngest their parents as Jews, and 7.9% are assigned child. For instance, in cases where Jewish no religious identification. Note, however, men intermarry, 19.9% of youngest children that despite the fact that the great majority are identified as Jewish, 53.6% as having no are identified as Jews, it is impossible to religious affiliation, and 26.5% as having determine their level of exposure to Jewish another religion. In short, 80.1% do not have customs and rituals. There is also no way to the religious orientation of the Jewish father. know from the National Household Survey how these identifications translate into In cases where Jewish women intermarry, actual behaviors and attitudes. 41.1% of youngest children are identified as Jewish, 51.4% as having no religious Regarding the youngest children of identification, and 7.5% as having another intermarried couples, 28.6% (370) are religion. In short, more than half (58.9%) of identified by their parents as Jews by youngest children in the household are not religion; a larger percentage, 52.5% (680) identified as being Jewish. Although the have no religious identification; and the rest, latter figure is still quite high, it is 19% (245), are identified as having other significantly lower than if the father marries religions. outside of the faith (58.9% and 80.1% respectively).

41 The Challenges Ahead What types of programs can attract intermarried couples? There have been A rise in the percentage of intermarried outreach initiatives across North America households in the Ottawa metropolitan area that provide intermarried families with is not unexpected given current opportunities to participate in communal intermarriage trends across North America. life. These programs have been offered by Of note, however, is the fact that the number an increasingly broad range of Jewish of individuals living in such arrangements institutions, including synagogues, Jewish has increased by 89.7% over the last two community centers, family services decades, from 2,175 to 4,125 individuals. agencies, schools, camps, as well as by completely independent "grass-roots" Particularly noteworthy is that the younger initiatives that have taken up the challenge the ages of the spouses, the higher the rate of of reaching out to engage the intermarried in intermarriage. If both spouses are below 30 Jewish life. 15 years of age the likelihood of intermarriage is 54.5%, compared to 34.6% when both are at least 40 years of age.

A recent study of the Ottawa Jewish community found that the intermarried, as a group, demonstrate low levels of affiliation, participation and ritual adherence across all the measures investigated. The intermarried have among the weakest levels of Jewish identity and the most tenuous links to mainstream Jewish life. 14

14 Shahar, C. Jewish Life in Ottawa: A Survey of the Attitudes & Behaviours of Ottawa’s Jewish 15 See for example the Jewish Outreach Institute's Community. Jewish Federation of Ottawa. May 2012. homepage: http://joi.org/joplin/index.php 42 Appendix 1 Methodological Considerations

The two major questions used in this report change in methodology has meant that it is to define who is Jewish, namely religion and difficult to determine error ranges based on ethnicity, were located in what was projections gleaned from the sample. previously known as the Long Form of the National Census. In 2011, this Long Form This change in methodology has also made became voluntary rather than mandatory to it difficult to compare the results of the fill out. Because the sample was self- National Household Survey with those of selected, this instrument became a survey previous Censuses. Although some tables in rather than a Census. this report present side-by-side comparisons of 2011 NHS data with previous Censuses, The National Household Survey (NHS) was these comparisons should be interpreted distributed to a third of the households in with caution. Canada, compared to 20% of households for the Census Long Form. However, whereas A further issue is the fact that since the 2001 the Census had an almost universal rate of Census, the number of Jews identifying response, the NHS had a 73.9% response themselves by ethnicity has declined rate across Canada, and 77.7% in the Ottawa dramatically. This was evident in 2006 and CMA. again in 2011. All those who considered themselves as Jewish by religion were It is not clear to what extent non-response included as Jews according to the definition biases played a role in the results. For employed in this report; but some who said instance, it is possible that certain they had no religious affiliation might have socioeconomic groups, such as the poor, less “fallen through the cracks” because they did educated individuals, and recent immigrants, not identify themselves as Jewish by were generally less inclined to answer the ethnicity. National Household Survey. Statistics Canada applied sophisticated treatments to There may be several reasons why there has deal with possible gaps in the data but the been a decline in Jewish ethnic

43 identification, but only two will be combination of religious and ethnic considered here. First, since the 2001 identification. Census, the label “Canadian” was the first on the list of ethnic sample choices. This has However, given changes in how Jews have changed the dynamics of the question responded to the ethnicity question, it was significantly. It is possible that some people felt that a broader definition should be used. wanted to tout their attachment to Canada by Hence, elements of other questions were indicating they were only of Canadian incorporated, including place of birth, five- ethnicity. This is not an issue if they also year mobility and knowledge of non-official indicated they were Jewish by religion. But languages. This new definition was called if they said they had no religious the “Revised Jewish Definition”. A full identification, they could not be identified as description of this definition can be found in Jewish using the traditional definition. Appendix 2.

Second, the order of sample choices is This new Jewish definition makes determined by how many people indicated a comparisons between the National particular ethnicity in the previous Census Household Survey and previous Censuses (2006). As the number of individuals even more difficult. Hence, these latter choosing Jewish as their ethnicity has Censuses were re-analyzed along the lines of diminished, the Jewish choice has fallen the revised definition, and whenever further down the list, and was therefore possible, these new figures are presented in among the last sample choices in the 2011 this report. Again, all comparisons of the NHS. This may have had an impact on the NHS with previous Censuses, and self-reported affiliation of people. particularly the identification of demographic trends, should be interpreted A final consideration has to do with the with caution. definition used to identify Jews for the purposes of this report. The “Jewish All in all, despite the changes in Standard Definition”, formulated by Jim methodology outlined above, the 2011 Torczyner of McGill University, has been National Household Survey provides an used since 1971. This definition employs a important opportunity to better understand

44 the demographic situation of the Ottawa and ethnicity (the American Census does Jewish population, and to make use of this not). Also, the National Household Survey is data for community planning and decision- one with a much larger scope than any making. Canadian Jewish community can implement on its own. We are fortunate to have a national survey which includes questions related to religion

45 46 Appendix 2 The Revised Jewish Definition

Since 1971 all major analyses related to the religion. Since it is possible to be Jewish and Census have utilized what is known as the to have such affiliations it was felt that an “Jewish Standard Definition” to distinguish inclusive definition would better reflect the who is Jewish from the rest of the broad spectrum of Jewish adherence. population. Jim Torczyner of McGill University and the Jewish Federation of Given the marked decline in the number of Montreal formulated this definition using a Jews who identified themselves as ethnically combination of religious and ethnic Jewish since 2001, it was decided to expand identification. the above definition of Jewishness. This “Revised Jewish Definition” incorporates According to this criterion, a Jew was more than just the religion and ethnicity defined as anyone who specified that he or variables in the National Household Survey. she was: • Jewish by religion and ethnicity. According to this new criterion a Jew is • Jewish by religion and having another defined as anyone who is: ethnicity. • Having no religious affiliation and • Jewish by religion and ethnicity. Jewish by ethnicity. • Jewish by religion and having another ethnicity. • Having no religious affiliation and Anyone who specified another religion Jewish or Israeli by ethnicity. (Catholic, Muslim, etc.) and a Jewish • Having no religious affiliation and having knowledge of Hebrew or Yiddish ethnicity was excluded from the above as a “non-official” language. definition. • Having no religious affiliation and born in Israel. • Having no religious affiliation and living It is important to note that the category of in Israel in 2006. “no religious affiliation” is broader than that of “no religion” because it includes those A check was done to see whether the above who consider themselves as agnostics, criteria would erroneously include groups atheists and humanists, as well as having no who should not be considered as Jews. For

47 instance, there are Arab Israelis who might in numbers using the revised and standard have no religious affiliation. Since their definitions. mother tongue would be Arabic, and they would likely identify as having an Arab Finally, it is not possible to say how a ethnicity, it was straightforward to person behaves “Jewishly” using any determine that there were virtually no such definition of Jewishness based on the NHS. individuals who were wrongly identified as For instance, we cannot know whether they Jews according to the Revised Jewish adhere to traditions or attend synagogue on a Definition. regular basis. No questions of these types were asked in the National Household All in all, the Revised Jewish Definition did Survey. Despite this limitation, the fact that not result in substantial increases in the we can identify Jewish affiliation at all is Jewish populations of various metropolitan critical for using the NHS as a tool for better areas. The table below shows the differences understanding our community.

Jewish Populations Based on Standard & Revised Definitions 2011 National Household Survey

Jewish Revised Standard Jewish Definition Definition Halifax CMA 2,080 2,120 Montréal CMA 89,665 90,780 Toronto CMA 186,010 188,715 Ottawa CMA 13,850 14,010 Hamilton CMA 5,055 5,110 Kitchener CMA 1,970 2,015 London CMA 2,610 2,675 Windsor CMA 1,475 1,520 Winnipeg CMA 13,260 13,690 Calgary CMA 8,210 8,340 Edmonton CMA 5,440 5,550 Vancouver CMA 25,740 26,255 Victoria CMA 2,630 2,740 Total Canada 385,345 391,665

48 Appendix 3 Geographic Borders & Map

Centertown: Alta Vista: North of Riverside Drive; North of Leitrim Road and Armstrong Road; East of Bayswater Avenue; East of the Rideau River; South of Ottawa River; South of the Queensway (Hwy 417); West of Rideau River West of Bank Street and Innes Road

Ottawa West: Ottawa East: North of the Queensway (Hwy 417) and North of the Queensway (Hwy 417); Carling Avenue; East of Rideau River; East of the Ottawa River Parkway; South of Ottawa River; South of the Ottawa River; West of Aviation Parkway West of Bayswater Avenue

Orleans/Residential East: Nepean West: North of Innes Road; North of Baseline Road and Hogs Back; East of Aviation Parkway; East of Range Road and Richmond Road; South of Ottawa River; South of the Queensway (Hwy 417); West of Trim Road and Mer Bleu Road West of the Rideau River

Kanata / Residual West: Nepean South: North of Fernbank Road; North of West Hunt Club Road to the East of Huntman Drive, Rothourne Road Rideau River; and 2nd Line Road; East of Moodie Drive; South of Old Carp Road; South of Baseline Road; West of Herzberg Road, March Road, West of Rideau River Eagleson Road and Richmond Road

Barhaven South: Gatineau: North of Rideau Valley Drive; North of Ottawa River; East of Richmond Road; East of Chemin Terry Fox; South of West Hunt Club Road; South of Boul.Taché, Aut 50 and Chemin West of the Rideau River Pink;

West of Boul. de l'Aeroport

49 Ottawa CMA by Geographic Areas

Key

1. Centretown 2. Ottawa West 3.Nepean West 4. Nepean South 5. Barrhaven South 6. Alta Vista 7. Ottawa East 8. Orleans / Residual East 9. Kanata / Residual West 10. Gatineau

50 Appendix 4 Additional Data Tables

Table 17A Living Arrangement Jewish, Non-Jewish & Total Populations of Ottawa CMA

Total Jews Non-Jews

# % # % # %

Living in a Family 997,075 82.0 11,720 83.7 985,355 82.0

Living With Relatives 24,015 2.0 75 0.5 23,945 2.0

Living With Non-Relatives 53,980 4.4 400 2.9 53,580 4.5

Living Alone 140,665 11.6 1,815 13.0 138,845 11.6

Total Individuals 1,215,735 100.0 14,010 100.0 1,201,725 100.0

Table 17B Living Arrangement by Gender Ottawa Jewish Population

Total Males Females

# % # % # %

Living in a Family 11,720 83.7 6,120 84.6 5,600 82.7

Living With Relatives 75 0.5 15 0.2 60 0.9

Living With Non-Relatives 400 2.9 240 3.3 160 2.4

Living Alone 1,815 13.0 855 11.8 955 14.1

Total Individuals 14,010 100.0 7,230 100.0 6,775 100.0

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Table 17C Living Arrangement by Age Ottawa Jewish Population

0-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65+

# % # % # % # % # %

Living in a Family 2,255 100.0 1,870 87.2 2,340 77.0 3,805 83.0 1,450 74.0

Living With Relatives 0 0.0 0 0.0 25 0.8 10 0.2 25 1.3

Living With Non-Relatives 0 0.0 200 9.3 135 4.4 40 0.9 20 1.0

Living Alone 0 0.0 75 3.5 540 17.8 730 15.9 465 23.7

Total Individuals 2,255 100.0 2,145 100.0 3,040 100.0 4,585 100.0 1,960 100.0

52

Table 18 Family Structure by Number of Children in Household Jewish Families of Ottawa CMA (Row %)

0 1 2 3 4+ Median Number of Children # % # % # % # % # %

Couples: With Children 0 0.0 920 38.7 1,095 46.1 250 10.5 110 4.6 2.2

Couples: Without Children 2,515 100.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0.5

Male Lone Parent 0 0.0 65 37.1 110 62.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 2.3

Female Lone Parent 0 0.0 135 64.3 75 35.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 1.8

Total Families 2,515 47.7 1,120 21.2 1,280 24.3 250 4.7 110 2.1 1.1

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Table 19 Number of Children in Household by Geographic Areas Jewish Families of Ottawa CMA (Row %)

0 1 2 3 4+ Median Number District of Children # % # % # % # % # %

Centretown 455 54.8 170 20.5 185 22.3 20 2.4 0 0.0 0.9

Ottawa West 370 57.4 115 17.8 135 20.9 15 2.3 10 1.6 0.9

Nepean West 225 52.3 110 25.6 70 16.3 25 5.8 0 0.0 1.0

Nepean South 330 36.7 185 20.6 255 28.3 90 10.0 40 4.4 1.7

Barrhaven South 130 32.5 80 20.0 155 38.8 35 8.8 0 0.0 1.9

Alta Vista 350 52.6 155 23.3 160 24.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 1.0

Ottawa East 90 60.0 60 40.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 1.0

Orleans / Residual East 205 59.4 50 14.5 70 20.3 20 5.8 0 0.0 0.8

Kanata / Residual West 140 41.8 80 23.9 115 34.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 1.5

Rest of Ottawa CMA 75 46.9 35 21.9 50 31.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 1.5

Gatineau 150 50.8 75 25.4 70 23.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 1.1

Total Families 2,515 47.4 1,115 21.0 1,285 24.2 275 5.2 120 2.3 1.1

54