Southern Jews and Jewish Southerners in Savannah, Georgia

This study used identity theory and survey data gathered from Jewish members and friends affiliated with a Jewish community center in Savannah, Georgia. Religion and ethnicity were the most salient factors in defining identity. Substantially fewer respondents reported being a southerner as an important factor in defining their identity. The largest group of respondents identified themselves as Jewish first and a southerner second followed closely by those who identified themselves as Jewish but not a southerner. Jews born in New England display a greater tendency than all others to perceive ethnicity as important to their identity. Some Jews living in the South over time tend to develop a southern identity which is secondary to their Jewish identity. Those who perceive themselves as Jewish first and a southerner second are the most likely to consider religion and being Jewish as important in their lives, to be influenced by religion in their daily lives, to seek religious advice when having a serious problem, and to participate in religious services. The findings support identity theory's hypothesis about the relationship between identity salience and commitment. The findings also support Reed's thesis that southern Jews are more Jewish. Denominational differences exist regarding whether respondents identified themselves as Jewish first and a southerner second, Jewish but not a southerner, and equally a southerner and Jewish.