Jewish denominations and longevity

Omega (Westport). 2012;65(3):213-9. doi: 10.2190/OM.65.3.d.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between affiliation with one of three denominations within Judaism representing a conservative-liberal continuum of Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism. The criterion for affiliation was burial in a cemetery maintained by these denominations. Longevities of married congregants born 1850-1910 were compared, controlling for birth year. Orthodox Jews had the shortest life spans (77 years); Conservative and Reform Jews had very similar life spans (80.7 years). Differences in years of survival of husbands after death of a spouse did not differ significantly. Reform widows survived longest (16.5 years) after death of a spouse. Conservative and Reform widows did not differ significantly from one another.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cemeteries / history*
  • Female
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Jews / history*
  • Judaism / history*
  • Longevity*
  • Male
  • Marriage / history*
  • Middle Aged
  • Religion and Psychology
  • Spouses / history*
  • United States