Thousands Leave Ultra-Orthodox Life, Study Finds

A significant number of individuals raised in ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities are leaving that lifestyle, according to new data from the organization "Yotzim Le'shinui" (Leaving for Change). The organization's research indicates that at least 15% of men and 12% of women who grew up in ultra-Orthodox families cease to adhere to this way of life before the age of 30. Of those who leave, 66% remain religious, 16% adopt a largely secular life while observing some Jewish traditions like Shabbat and kashrut, and 18% become atheists. This means that out of every 100 ultra-Orthodox boys, 15 will leave the community, and out of every 100 girls, 12 will do so. Israel's current ultra-Orthodox population is approximately 1.3 million, making up 13% of the country's residents. Within this population, about 111,000 are married men studying in kollels, and another 50,000 are young men aged 17-18 studying in yeshivas before marriage. Employment rates show a stark gender divide: 81% of ultra-Orthodox women are employed, significantly higher than the national average of 60% for women. Conversely, only 53% of ultra-Orthodox men are employed, well below the national average of 82% for men, a difference attributed to the community's focus on Torah study and religious devotion. While some leave the community in their youth, others depart later in life. The study also notes that a number of secular and religious Israelis, some with established careers and military service, are adopting an ultra-Orthodox lifestyle, viewing it as the most meaningful path. "Yotzim Le'shinui" analyzes the 'dropout' rate within the ultra-Orthodox sector.