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How expensive is it to maintain a Judaic lifestyle? (Keeping Kosher, Schooling, Summer Camps, etc.) Does this lifestyle affect what fields Jews work in?

  • I went anonymous because I don't want assumptions made that the question is prejudicial, but I ask in a curious manner. I understand Judaism is a very difficult religious lifestyle to lead, but does that mean that financial obligations decide what line of work Jews can be in?

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    I saw a religious Jew digging a road with shovel and power tools in company of other workers without clear religious affiliation. Yes, Orthodox Jewish lifestyle is expensive - Kosher food, two kitchens of double-sided kitchens, etc. Add often they would have many children and wife would not be able to work. However there is no special entrance for Orthodox Jews in legal or medical careers - some make it, some not. In case you haven't noticed, there are a lot of people competing for spots in top legal and medical schools, most of them not Jewish. So as I understand (I had a couple of friends in this category) many live in relative poverty - where a WASP will be driving a Mercedes, an Orthodox Jew on the same job will be driving an old Corolla. Where a WASP will be flying around the globe to eat sushi in Japan and learn tango in South America, an Orthodox Jew will keep working 5 days, pray on Saturdays and do his own house repairs on Sundays. He and his wife will be eating food prepared from basic ingredients, and mend older children clothes for younger children. (WASP = Wealthy Anglo-Saxon Protestant - another cliche

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I'm not sure if you are looking for a specific amount in your question ("How expensive..."), but I can say that an American Jew must be spending more on average to maintain a Jewish lifestyle than our non-Jewish neighbors and friends. This is because, as you pointed out, the cost of kosher food is generally more than non-kosher food. Also, there is a weekly cost of preparing for the Shabbat, plus the holidays (buying an etrog, a sukkah, matzah, etc.) Additionally, and probably the biggest cost, is Jewish education. Probably, the most important thing that a parent can give to their Jewish child, is a Jewish education. And day schools are very expensive, even with donors and whatnot. In Israel, all of these things are very affordable. (In fact a Jewish education is generally free or almost free.) For this reason, it is an economically wise decision for a family to move to Israel.

Anonymous

No more expensive than any other lifestyle. Kosher eating isn't more expensive than non-kosher eating and apparently in some instances can be cheaper

David Stewart

Sorry, but your initial gut feeling (described in the details of your question) was right, your question IS prejudicial and full of assumptions. You don't have to be rich to be Jewish, there are plenty of us who are poor. Not all Jews go to summer camp, nor do they all attend private schools. And a "Jewish lifestyle" is not what makes a Jew become a doctor or a lawyer. Keeping kosher is no more expensive than being vegan. Do you think all vegans are rich?  If you were truly worried about offending people why post the question at all?

Anonymous

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