Agreement: Ultra-Orthodox Jews are engaging more with the world

Esther Scheibler

Research Analyst

July 21, 2025

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min read

Esther Scheibler, Ph.D. is the lead researcher at Mispar, where she specializes in uncovering meaningful insights. With a background in research methodology and community engagement, she blends rigorous methodologies with data analysis to help businesses and nonprofits navigate complex questions with clarity and confidence.

On July 1, 2025, CNN published an article claiming that “After centuries of isolation, ultra-Orthodox Jews engage with the world more than ever.” To test the validity of this claim, Mispar conducted a survey with its exclusive panel of Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Americans.

Within the analytical sample (n = 283), almost half (49%) resided in New York, with the remainder across 21 other states including New Jersey (16%), Illinois (4%), and Texas (3%). The sample included 142 females, 141 males, 207 ultra-Orthodox and 76 Orthodox* respondents (ages 19–72).

Agreement with Broader Engagement Claim

When asked: “To what extent do you agree or disagree that after centuries of isolation, ultra-Orthodox Jews are engaging with the world more than ever?”

Over three-quarters of respondents agreed with the statement: 36% strongly agreed and 42% somewhat agreed.
Only 9% disagreed (6% somewhat, 3% strongly). Disagreeing respondents often noted that ultra-Orthodox Jews have always engaged with the outside world. Both Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox groups expressed nearly identical agreement.

Mispar Survey Results: Perceptions of Ultra-Orthodox Jews Engaging With the World More than Ever — Figure 1: Mispar Survey Results — Perceptions of Ultra-Orthodox Jews Engaging With the World More than Ever

Areas of Engagement & Sentiment

When asked in which areas engagement is highest, business and commerce (71%) and technology and digital media (69%) ranked top, while education (42%) saw the least reported increase in interaction.

Mostly Positive 51%

Positive & Negative 33%

Mostly Negative 7%

Mispar Survey Results: Is Increased Engagement Positive, Negative, or a Mix? — Figure 2: Mispar Survey Results — Is Increased Engagement Positive, Negative, or a Mix?

Gender Differences & Coding Notes

It is worth noting that 8% of women compared to 3% of men viewed broader world engagement as mostly negative, suggesting potential gender differences in how increased engagement is perceived.

*Note: Respondents were coded as Orthodox if they self-identified as Modern Orthodox, Orthodox, or Sefardi. Respondents were coded as ultra-Orthodox if they self-identified as Chassidish, Yeshivish, or Litvish.

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