Are there any halachic issues with filling out the US census that asks for specific information regarding household members (names, dates of birth) in connection to the idea that we do not count people?

 

The prohibition of counting Jews is not to count them by numbers: 1, 2, 3.

Getting results via other means is not a problem, as was done many times throughout history, starting when the sons of Yaakov went down to Egypt, continued by Moshe Rabeinu in the dessert and ending with the 10th count by Moshiach Tzidkeinu with Hashem himself.

Although some poskim maintain that counting on a list is also considered counting, see Kovetz Teshuvos Chsam Sofer 8. Ksav Sofer YD 206, nonetheless, since the results aren’t tallied by human beings, there are additional grounds for heter, see Mispar Bnei Yisroel p. 28. Techumin IV p. 336.

(It should be noted that it’s possible that according to Kesav Sofer the prohibition of counting even via writing refers only to recording numbers, because writing is considered speaking. However, counting slips of paper or the names on the paper isn’t necessarily forbidden).

Additionally, submitting the US Census form, Isn’t counting, and the actual count is not done by a Jewish organization.

Others argue — and this seems to be agreed by all — that any census which include non Jews too is permitted, see Shevet Halevi IX:35. Torah Shlaima XXI: 168. This is of the key distinctions between the US census and the Israeli census. Although Israeli census includes non-Jews to the purpose of the census includes yielding the number of Jews precisely

Additionally, there are many other reasons why the US census isn’t included in the prohibition against counting Jews. See Seridei Esh II: 150 because it’s done for purposes of security, economics etc. See also Tzitz Eliezer VII: 3. Mishptei Uziel CM Kelalim 2. Torah Shlaima XXI: 168.

See at length Contemporary Halachic Problems III part II ch. XIII.

 

עיין שו”ע אדה”ז סימן קנו טו ובמ”א סק”ב.

ובשו”ת עמוד הימיני, סימן יג, עמ’ קלח-קמז.

Answering the form of the census is mandated by law, and is therefore also mandated by Halacha, as Dina Dmalchusa Dina.

 

 

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