nonJews

Non-Jews is a term used to denote people who are not Jewish. It is commonly employed in religious, sociological, and demographic discussions to distinguish those who identify with Judaism or have Jewish heritage from those who do not. As a descriptor, it is neutral in intent, but its connotations vary by context.

In religious literature, terms such as Gentile appear with historical and theological nuances. Modern writers often prefer the neutral phrasing non-Jewish or "a person who is not Jewish" to avoid potential pejorative associations. The choice of term can reflect audience, discipline, and sensitivities around identity.

Globally, non-Jews constitute the vast majority of the population. The Jewish population is estimated in the low tens of millions, while the rest are non-Jews. In Israel, non-Jewish citizens include Arab Israelis, Druze, and other minority groups who participate in national life alongside Jewish citizens. In other countries, non-Jewish communities contribute to religious, cultural, and civic life in diverse ways.

Scholarly and policy discussions about non-Jews often focus on interfaith relations, civil rights, education, and social cohesion. The concept intersects with issues of ritual status and conversion in religious discourse, but contemporary usage tends to treat non-Jews as a broad, diverse group rather than a single category.