A new poll of Israelis Jews reveals that rather than becoming more secular, like most countries in Western Europe, Israel in 2016 is more traditional than ever before.
The poll, conducted by Dr. Ariel Ayalon on behalf of Channel 2, included 500 respondents aged 18 to 64.
According to the survey, secular Israelis are growing increasingly traditional and conservative, even if they are not fully embracing religion. Nearly three-quarters (73.2%) of Israelis believe in God or a “higher power”, and more than third of secular Jews fast on Yom Kippur.
In addition, 30% of secular Israelis regularly light Shabbat candles and make Kiddush, while 37.2% take Jewish rules of modesty into account when choosing what to wear.
In terms of kashrut, the number of secular Jews observing dietary laws is also on the rise, with nearly half saying they are careful to avoid eating products containing pork. And more than one-third (35%) of secular Israeli women say they have taken part in “Hafrashat Hallah” ceremonies, a growing trend within the secular public.