Poll Reveals Yom Kippur Observance Plans Across Israeli Society
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
A survey shows 61% of Israeli Jews plan to fast for Yom Kippur, with variations based on community background and secular identification. Most Israelis will avoid driving, and many secular respondents plan to rest or socialize rather than engage in religious activities.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 61% of Israeli Jews will fast for Yom Kippur, fully or partially.
- 96% of respondents will refrain from driving during the holiday.
- Secular Israelis show lower synagogue attendance but higher fasting rates.
- Mizrahi and Sephardi Jews fast more strictly than Ashkenazi Jews.
- Most secular Israelis plan to rest, read, or socialize on Yom Kippur.
A recent survey indicates that 61% of Israel's Jewish population intends to observe Yom Kippur by fasting, either fully or partially. The poll, conducted by the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization in conjunction with the "Mashav" television channel and released on September 15, found that 54% plan a complete fast, while 7% will fast partially.
Regarding religious observance, 46% of respondents plan to pray in synagogues. A significant majority, 96%, will refrain from driving, and 51% intend to make charitable donations in the lead-up to the holy day. The survey also highlighted a difference in fasting practices between Jewish communities, with 68% of those from Mizrahi and Sephardi backgrounds observing a strict fast compared to 48% of Ashkenazi individuals.
Even among secular Israelis who identify as atheists, 34% plan to fast (24% fully, 10% partially), though only 14% expect to attend synagogue services. A substantial 92% of secular respondents will avoid car travel. Notably, 51% of secular individuals reported feeling uncomfortable in a synagogue setting, with 26% feeling completely uncomfortable.
For secular Israelis not fasting or praying, common activities include resting at home (61%), reading (55%), using computers or smartphones (54%), socializing with friends (44%), and playing (31%). Only 22% plan to engage in household chores, and 9% in work-related tasks, suggesting that even secular Jews generally do not treat Yom Kippur as a regular weekday.
The survey included 1,330 Jewish participants aged 18 and older, with a statistical margin of error of ±2.7%. Yom Kippur is scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 20, around 6:00 PM, and conclude on Monday, September 21, around 7:10 PM.
