First coming to America in the early 20th century, Syrian Jews have prospered
economically and assimilated into American life while somehow managing to retain their
distinct identity, culture, and religious practices. The majority are generally very wealthy living in homes that are worth millions of dollars. They are very loyal to their people and committed to keeping their culture alive within the United States.
The Syrian Jewish communities in Brooklyn and Deal are known for their ability to flourish financially in the secular world, particularly in the garment and electronics industries, while retaining centuries-old religious customs and traditions.
"It's a community that is committed to its rabbis and their rule," said Jonathan Sarna, an American Jewish history professor at Brandeis University.
They are all Orthodox Jew, of the Sephardic tradition. Sephardic Judaism is found among Jews from Asia and Africa, and differs from the Ashkenazi traditions and prayer rituals of those Jews from Eastern Europe. Ashkenazi and Sephardic identity is definitely different, and Syrians Jews are proud of their heritage and traditions. Synagogue attendance is very high at the many Syrian synagogues in Brooklyn and New Jersey.