The Spectrum of Religious Observance Among Jews in Israel

Israel is a country with a rich heritage and a diverse population. While the majority of its citizens identify as Jews, the depth of religious observance varies widely. This article explores the spectrum of religious observance among Jews in Israel, highlighting the nuances of their practices and beliefs.

Levels of Religious Observance

Religious observance among Jews in Israel is not binary; it exists on a spectrum. Even those who are not strictly observant can still participate in certain traditions and practices. For example, getting married by a rabbi or celebrating Passover, even without fully adhering to kosher dietary laws, demonstrates a level of religious engagement.

Some Jews maintain strict adherence to kosher laws and attend synagogue regularly, while others may only observe certain rituals on religious holidays. Notably, these expressions of religious observance can coexist even within the same family or community.

Secular Jewish Israelis

According to a study by the Israel Democracy Institute, the great majority of Jewish Israelis identify as secular. However, within this broad category, there are several subgroups or "tribes" with varying levels of religious observance.

Some secular Jews consider themselves atheistic, particularly those from certain Kibbutzim (collective settlements) and communal farms established in Israel in the early 20th century. These settlements were often built upon atheist and socialist ideologies, with some even banning explicit reference to God on their premises.

While most secular Israelis may not strictly adhere to religious laws and traditions, they still celebrate Jewish holidays as cultural and historical events. For instance, Passover is often seen as a festival of renewal and liberation rather than a purely religious observance.

Yom Kippur and Sukkot

Despite the broad secular identification, many Jews in Israel still observe key religious holidays. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a day of fasting and reflection, while Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles, involves constructing and using temporary shelters to commemorate the Israelites' journey in the desert. These practices are often understood as cultural traditions rather than strict religious obligations.

Everyday Observances

Many Jews in Israel incorporate religious practices into their daily lives without extra effort. For example:

They greet each other during the Sabbath with "Shabbat Shalom," fulfilling a commandment to remember the Sabbath. They light candles and bless the Sabbath over a cup of wine, adhering to another Sabbath commandment. They serve in the army, recognizing God's power and authority through common phrases like "Baruch Hashem" and "Im Yirtzah Hashem." They buy kosher food, ensuring that local produce and baked goods follow Jewish law. They observe other holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Tu B'shvat, Purim, Pesach, Yom Yerushalayim, and Shavuot. They display acts of charity towards the needy and treat all people with honesty and dignity.

Conclusion

The spectrum of religious observance among Jews in Israel is diverse and complex. While the majority identify as secular, they still contribute to the rich tapestry of Jewish culture and tradition. Recognizing and understanding these varied levels of religious observance helps to appreciate the depth and richness of the Jewish community in Israel.