Photoessay #2878 - That Reform/Conservative question

I've been trying to test the validity of my view of the Jewish community specifically the Reform community in California from the period 1965-1975.

I haven't made too much progress.  Several noted writers note that the Conservative movement was more popular with the young families in the suburbs.  But these are all east coast people and maybe they are just quoting each other?

According to the National Jewish Population Servey in 2000 done by the Jewish Federation,

39% of those belonging to synagogues belonged to Reform congregations
33% of those belonging to synagogues belonged to Conservative congregations

Interesting that there are significant regional variations

Finally, Jews in the West stand in sharp contrast to other Jews, especially those in the Northeast. Western Jews report the lowest levels of in-group friendships, many ritual practices, synagogue membership* and attendance,* charitable giving to federation* and other Jewish causes, and JCC* and other Jewish organizational memberships.*

That's a start...the west coast Jews are different.