Jewish Buddhist
The term JewBu emerged in 1994 when Rodger Kamenetz published his book The Jew in the Lotus. This work introduced a label for people of Jewish ethnicity who practice Buddhism while sometimes maintaining their Jewish identity. Individuals may identify with both traditions simultaneously or treat Judaism as an ethnic designation while choosing Buddhism as their primary religion. Some practitioners engage in dhyana, chanting, or other forms of Buddhist spirituality alongside Jewish observance. Others use alternative labels like BuJews or BuddJews to describe themselves. The definition remains fluid because each person navigates these two paths differently.
Charles Strauss stood before the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893 and declared himself a Buddhist after hearing delegates Soyen Shaku and Anagarika Dharmapala speak. This moment marked one of the earliest public intersections between Jewish identity and Buddhist practice in America. Decades later, the Beat Generation era of the late 1960s saw many Jews exploring Zen Buddhism as part of a broader cultural shift. Teachers like Shinge-shitsu Roko Sherry Chayat helped establish early communities that welcomed Jewish converts. These pioneers laid groundwork for future generations seeking spiritual paths outside traditional synagogue life.
Emily Sigalow published her book American JewBu in 2019 to survey the landscape of American Buddhists. Her research estimated that ethnically Jewish Buddhists make up between 16.5% and one-third of all non-Asian American practitioners. This statistical range suggests a significant presence within American Buddhist communities despite being a minority group overall. The data highlights how Jewish backgrounds intersect with meditation practices across diverse regions. Such figures provide context for understanding the scale of this cross-cultural movement today.
Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, and Sharon Salzberg founded the Insight Meditation Society to teach Vipassana meditation based on Thai traditions. Sylvia Boorstein teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center while guiding students through similar practices. An earlier generation included Shinge Roshi Cherry Chayat who worked closely with Zen Buddhist communities. A new wave of teachers emerged in the early 2000s including Zoketsu Norman Fischer and Dan Harris. These individuals built institutions that became central hubs for Jewish Buddhists seeking structured practice environments.
Leonard Cohen wrote songs blending Jewish themes with Buddhist insights throughout his career as a musician. Allen Ginsberg embraced Buddhism while maintaining his identity as a Jewish poet during the Beat era. Natalie Goldberg published books on writing and mindfulness that reached wide audiences beyond religious circles. Actors like Goldie Hawn and Robert Downey Jr. have publicly identified with both heritages in interviews. Musicians such as Philip Glass and Adam Yauch integrated these spiritual perspectives into their artistic output. Their visibility helped normalize the idea of holding multiple religious identities simultaneously.
Common questions
When did the term JewBu emerge and who published the book that introduced it?
The term JewBu emerged in 1994 when Rodger Kamenetz published his book The Jew in the Lotus. This work introduced a label for people of Jewish ethnicity who practice Buddhism while sometimes maintaining their Jewish identity.
Who was Charles Strauss and what happened at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893?
Charles Strauss stood before the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893 and declared himself a Buddhist after hearing delegates Soyen Shaku and Anagarika Dharmapala speak. This moment marked one of the earliest public intersections between Jewish identity and Buddhist practice in America.
What percentage of non-Asian American Buddhists are ethnically Jewish according to Emily Sigalow's research?
Emily Sigalow published her book American JewBu in 2019 to survey the landscape of American Buddhists. Her research estimated that ethnically Jewish Buddhists make up between 16.5% and one-third of all non-Asian American practitioners.
Which organizations were founded by Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, and Sharon Salzberg?
Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, and Sharon Salzberg founded the Insight Meditation Society to teach Vipassana meditation based on Thai traditions. Sylvia Boorstein teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center while guiding students through similar practices.
How did Leonard Cohen and Allen Ginsberg integrate their Jewish and Buddhist identities into their work?
Leonard Cohen wrote songs blending Jewish themes with Buddhist insights throughout his career as a musician. Allen Ginsberg embraced Buddhism while maintaining his identity as a Jewish poet during the Beat era.