A Methodology for Examining the Changing Size and Spatial Distribution of a Jewish Population: A Miami Case Study

The major purpose of this article is to describe a procedure, termed the "Distinctive Jewish Name (DJN) Historical Mapping Technique," for estimating the Jewish population of an area historically and to demonstrate the value of this procedure, using Miami (Dade County) as a case study. This paper suggests that DJNs, despite the problems inherent in their use, are an acceptable method for examining the changing spatial distribution of a Jewish population over time. Nothing in this paper should be construed as implying that the use of DJNs is the preferred procedure for 1) sampling for demographic studies or 2) estimating current Jewish population size. Random digit dialing (RDD) is the superior technique in both cases.