It just occurred to me a possible reason why the Jewish Community has never been persuaded to vote for republicans since Reagan (and 40% ain't really all that anyway.) The candidates they've had have been named Bush, for one thing, but what I'm getting at is they've been southernors, especially Bush 43. Carter may have colored many northeastern jewish people's views of the whole south, not just the rats.
It's all about the candidates. Republicans have never put up candidates that appeal to Jews.
If Reagan's VP had been Jack Kemp, for one example, he would have gotten a huge percentage of Jewish votes in 1988. And probably reelected in 1992. May have changed the entire Jewish voting pattern. And no Clinton. Maybe reagan's biggest mistake.
Those Jews that voted for Bush I, as a residue from Reagan, were very disappointed. Dole, laughable? Bush II may sour Jews on Republicans even further.