The Happiest Man in America Is a Jew
Not only is being Jewish good for your health, it makes you happier, too. At the request of the New York Times, the Gallup research organization has put together a profile of “the happiest person in America,” a demographic composite based on surveys the company has conducted daily among 1,000 U.S. adults for the last three years.
For better or worse, the “happiest person” is not widely found in nature. He is, according to Gallup, “a tall, Asian-American, observant Jew who is at least 65 and married, has children, lives in Hawaii, runs his own business and has a household income of more than $120,000 a year.”
Despite the rarity of the breed, such a person does exist (although maybe only one). “Meet Alvin Wong,” the Times wrote. “He is a 5-foot-10, 69-year-old, Chinese-American, Kosher-observing Jew, who’s married with children and lives in Honolulu. He runs his own health care management business and earns more than $120,000 a year.”
Having performed the impressive task of finding such a person, the Times didn’t explain how Wong discovered Judaism, though the online version of the article included a picture of Wong with his wife, one Trudy Schandler-Wong.
Tracked down through his synagogue, America’s happiest man didn’t know what to make of the survey findings, or the call from the newspaper. After explaining his life philosophy to reporter Catherine Rampelll, he asked, “This is a practical joke, right?”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
