CHAPTER 20

COUNSELING JEWISH AMERICANS   

Statistics on Jewish Americans

The Jewish population in the United States is 5.2 million. Jewish Americans have long been the targets of discrimination and hate

crimes. Anti-Semitism is on the rise in Israel. The Jewish population in the United States is the largest in the world. Many Jewish people immigrated from Russia, Austria-Hungary, and

Romania between 1880 and 1942. Of the Jews outside the United States most are from the former Soviet

Union. The Jewish population is falling rapidly due to low fertility and

marrying out. Most do not follow all religious traditions, but celebrate holidays such

as Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, and Passover.

Experiences with Prejudice and Discrimination

The Holocaust killed over 6 million Jews and left many Jewish people poor, displaced, and without families.

Hate crimes against Jews are on the rise. Many Jewish people fought for civil rights for

people of color in the 1960s. Holocaust deniers are individuals who do not

acknowledge or who question the existence of the genocide that occurred during World War II.

Experiences with Prejudice and Discrimination

Some Jews experience guilt for not practicing traditional Jewish customs.

For many, a Jewish identity centers around a common experience and history.

Examples of Jewish microaggressions include assigning intelligence, giving preference to Christians, and lack of recognition of Jews during multicultural discussions.

Judaism

Judaism is the belief in one omnipotent God who created humankind—it is one of the earliest monotheistic religions.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a time set aside to atone for sins during the past year.

The synagogue is a place of worship. There are many forms of Judaism, ranging from

more conservative (e.g., Orthodox) to progressive.

Ethnic Identity Issues

For many, a Jewish identity centers around a common experience and history.

There is no one Jewish identity. Schlosser (2009) believes that Jewish people go through the

following stages of ethnic identity: Lack of awareness Gradual awareness Comparison of Jewish identity with other religions such as

Christianity Development of a sense of Jewishness Integration of Jewish with other identities

Implications for Clinical Practice

Be respectful of and knowledgeable about Jewish culture.

Do not overlook or dismiss Jewish traditions, values, and religious rituals.

Validate Jewish religious holidays. Understand the spectrum of Jewish identities within

the Jewish population. Do not blame the victim.

Implications for Clinical Practice

Counselors should be aware of their own values, assumptions, and biases that may be detrimental to Jewish clients.

Consult with a rabbi as needed. Be aware of policies that do not take Jewish American

concerns into account. Understand that Jewish people may suffer from

discrimination. Do not make assumptions about ones’ Jewish identity.