While Jewish Americans only constitute a small fraction of the overall U.S. population, their influence on American culture, social sphere, academic world, and political landscape is significant. With origins tracking back to the Israelites and Hebrews and practicing Judaism, the Jewish people encapsulate a vibrant mix of tradition, faith, and shared history. Their population in the United States ranges from an estimated 5.7 to 10 million people, majority of whom are Ashkenazi Jews—descendants from Jews of Eastern and Central Europe.