Hundreds of Thousands of Israelis Face Income Drop During Jewish Holidays

Hundreds of thousands of Israeli workers, particularly those in hourly or shift-based roles, are at risk of a significant income reduction in September due to the Jewish High Holidays. This period, typically marked by increased family expenses, could see approximately 884,000 employees working fewer than 35 hours per week facing a potential 35% decrease in earnings compared to a regular month. This is especially concerning for those in office, administrative, and temporary tech roles, who may only have around 14 potential workdays.

The situation is exacerbated by rising household costs during the holidays, with the average family expected to spend around 3,900 shekels on food and hospitality alone, not including travel, gifts, and other expenses. This creates a financial strain as income shrinks while expenditures increase.

Conversely, sectors like hospitality, food service, retail, and clothing are experiencing a surge in demand during the holiday period. Workers in these industries might work 21 to 23 days a month, but often face demanding 10-12 hour shifts, significant physical and mental strain, and sacrifices of personal time and family gatherings. The demand for temporary workers in online commerce, gift wrapping, warehousing, and customer service has seen increases of 60% to 240% in the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah.

To mitigate income loss, experts advise hourly and temporary workers to diversify their employment by seeking short-notice gigs from multiple employers and exploring additional nearby opportunities. Workers are also encouraged to compensate for holiday closures by working extra hours on weekdays, coordinating shift swaps, or taking on lighter tasks like remote customer service. Reaching out to previous employers for temporary work during peak demand periods is also a viable strategy.

Furthermore, it is crucial for flexible workers to ensure they receive proper documentation, including payslips, required social security contributions, and insurance coverage, regardless of their employment status. Proactive planning and active management of work schedules are key to balancing financial needs with personal well-being during this challenging period.