A recently released survey shows that some
I was surprised to see a higher ratio in America -- where according to Gallup 92 percent believe in Gd -- but maybe I'm comparing apples and oranges.
Moving right along...
The study, conducted by the Guttman Center at the Israel Democracy Institute, was conducted in 2009 and polled 2,083 Israeli Jews. The survey is a continuation of previous studies conducted in 1991 and 1999.
According to Ynet, the survey showed an increase in religious affinity:
.... In general, a higher number of Jews defined themselves as religious or ultra-Orthodox compared to the previous decade.
3% were "anti-religious seculars" (compared to 6% in 1999),
43% were "seculars" (compared to 46%),
32% "traditional" (compared to 33%),
15% "religious" (compared to 11%)
and 7% "haredi" (compared to 5%).
Hmm... Traditional, religious and haredi combined = 54 pct OR 3 x Chai (18).
The survey also found that Israeli Jews view religious ceremonies as important milestones.
94% said so about circumcision,
92% about the seven days of mourning after a relative's death,
91% about the bar mitzvah ceremony,
90% about saying the Kaddish prayer over deceased parents,
86% about Jewish burial, and
83% about the bat mitzvah ceremony.
While less than a majority of Israeli Jews observe Shabbat fully, a great number celebrate Shabbat in some way:
84% spend time with their family,
69% hold a special meal,
66% light candles and
60% say the Kiddush prayer.
On the other hand, 65% watch television or listen to the radio on the day of rest, and 52% surf the Internet. Thirty-seven percent engage in sports activities or go to the beach, 29% eat out, 16% go shopping and 11% work.
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