Poll Finds 60% of Israeli Jews to Fast on Yom Kippur

A new poll indicates that a significant majority of Jewish Israelis observe the traditions of Yom Kippur, even if they do not attend synagogue services. The "Tzohar Judaism and Tradition Index" survey, conducted by Channel "Mashav" ahead of the High Holidays, found that 61% of respondents intend to fast on Yom Kippur this year, with 54% fasting fully and an additional 7% partially.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that 96% of vehicle owners will refrain from driving on the holy day, and 46% of all respondents plan to pray in a synagogue. Over half, 51%, intend to donate to charity before Yom Kippur.

The data also highlighted a difference between Jewish traditions, with 68% of those of Mizrahi and Sephardi descent fasting fully, compared to 48% of Ashkenazi descent. The survey included 1,330 adult internet users in Israel and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7% at a 95% confidence level.

Even among those identifying as secular, Yom Kippur traditions are observed. 92% of secular vehicle owners will not drive, 34% plan to fast (24% fully, 10% partially), and only 14% will visit a synagogue. The poll suggests that discomfort in synagogues contributes to lower attendance, with 51% of secular respondents reporting feeling uncomfortable, and 26% feeling "not at all comfortable."

Secular respondents who do not fast or pray still treat Yom Kippur differently from a regular weekday. Their planned activities include resting and sleeping (61%), reading (55%), watching content on computers or phones (54%), meeting neighbors and friends (44%), and playing board games (31%). Only 22% reported household chores and 9% reported work-related tasks.