Jewish Demographics & Historical Communities Map

Project Overview

This interactive visualization explores the demographic history of Jewish communities worldwide, tracking population changes and migration patterns from ancient times to the present. The map displays Jewish communities (kehillot) with their estimated populations at different historical periods, allowing users to understand the ebb and flow of Jewish life across centuries.

Features

• Interactive Timeline: Navigate through 3,400+ years of Jewish history
• Population Visualization: Community markers show population size and confidence levels
• Historical Events: Major events and persecutions that shaped Jewish demographics
• Migration Patterns: Visual representation of Jewish diaspora movements
• Multilingual Support: Place names in local languages and English
• Educational Resources: Links to historical sources and references

Data Sources

The data combines historical records, archaeological findings, demographic studies, and scholarly research. Population estimates are based on available historical sources and may include approximations for demonstration purposes. Sources include academic publications, historical documents, and established demographic databases.

How to Use

• Use the timeline slider to navigate through different time periods
• Click on community markers to see detailed information
• Hover over timeline markers to learn about historical events
• Use the play button to animate through time automatically
• Switch between different map views and language options

Credits

Developed by: Bezalel Brandwine and Ofer Manela
Organization: Softwine LTD
Contact: kehilot.history@gmail.com
Map Data: OpenStreetMap contributors
Timeline Technology: noUiSlider
Mapping Library: Leaflet with MarkerCluster