Nation of Faith: 80 Percent of Israelis Believe in God

A recently released survey shows that some 80 percent of Israelis believe in God, while a smaller but still significant percentage say that observing Shabbat, the holidays and kashrut is important.

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.

The first part of the study dealt with the personal attitude toward religion. In general, a higher number of Jews defined themselves as religious or ultra-Orthodox compared to the previous decade. Three percent 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%). Although 46% of respondents defined themselves as secular, it turns out that this self-definition is not directly linked to a belief in extraordinary forces and in the veracity of the Jewish religion.

The survey also found that Israeli Jews view religious ceremonies as important milestones.

Ninety-four percent 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.

Eighty-four percent 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.

Surprisingly, the survey found that 70 percent of Israeli Jews report eating kosher food at home, though a smaller percentage keep kosher away from home.

From Jewish holidays, which usually include plenty of food, to kashrut: Most Jews in Israel eat kosher food at home (76%) and slightly fewer do the same outside (70%). However, only 63% are strict about not mixing meat and milk. Seventy-two percent say they never eat pork, with the common explanation being the religious mitzvah.

Read the full survey here.

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