Jews in Britain Today
Today, there are just under 300,000 people identifying as Jews in Britain. There are British Jews whose families have moved here for a number of different reasons and from a huge variety of countries.
The majority of UK Jews live in England (with the largest communities in London, Hertfordshire and Manchester). There are very small communities in Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Around 7000 Jews live in Scotland (according to the 2022 census) which makes up around 0.1% of the Scottish population.
East Renfrewshire (Glasgow) has the biggest Jewish community, followed by Edinburgh. Aberdeen also still has an active community and synagogueJewish communal building where people gather to pray, learn and celebrate. (From Greek – meaning place of gathering).. The area with the least Jewish people is the Outer Hebrides (just 3 Jews living there). Even though the Jewish community in Scotland is smaller today, it is still very active. The Jewish Council of Scotland (JCOS) represents the community and continues to play its part in Scottish and British life.
Diversity within the UK Jewish Community
There are Ashkenazi
Jewish group and culture primarily developed around Central or Eastern Europe., SephardiDescribes Jews of Spanish or Portuguese decent., MizrahiDescribes Jews from Central and West Asian countries, often Arabic-speaking countries. (and other) British Jews, whose families have come from many different countries all over the world, bringing their cultural traditions with them.
British Jews also have a wide variety of opinions about God, Judaism and how to live a ‘Jewish life’. They may belong to a community and attend synagogue and events there. They may be involved in Jewish charities or cultural organisations. They may not be involved in any community but still have a Jewish identity due to their religious beliefs or their family history. There are vibrant HarediAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Branches of Judaism page’ for more details)., Orthodox, MasortiAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Groups within Judaism’ page for more details)., ReformAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Groups within Judaism page for more details). and LiberalAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Groups within Judaism page for more details). Jewish communities across the UK, as well as many secularA term for anyone or anything non-religious. Jews.
Glasgow has 3 Orthodox synagogues and 1 ReformAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Groups within Judaism page for more details). synagogue. Edinburgh has 1 Orthodox synagogue and 1 LiberalAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Groups within Judaism page for more details). community. Aberdeen has 1 Orthodox synagogue.
The 2022 census showed that the number of people in Scotland whose religion was Jewish was 5,847. The number of people who stated their ethnicity as Jewish (but not their religion) was 1,466. Therefore the total Scottish Jewish population was 7,313.
