Most Israeli Jews fast on Yom Kippur, while over half take part in prayer services, survey finds
Only a small number of those reported to be fasting partially or not at all are older people, according to the survey data, suggesting that the reasons are more linked to health or principle.
A new survey by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) found that 74% of Israeli Jews fast on Yom Kippur, with 63% fasting fully and 11% partially. Fasting rates vary significantly by religious affiliation, with 97%-98% of Haredi, religious, and religious-traditional Jews fasting fully, compared to 47% of secular Jews. Mizrahi Jews (81%) fast more fully than Ashkenazi Jews (50.5%).
- Over half (57%) of Israeli Jews participate in Yom Kippur prayer services, with 51% attending Orthodox services and 6% attending Reform or Conservative services.
- Prayer participation is highest among religious-traditional Jews (90%) and lowest among secular Jews (20%).
- 18% of Israeli Jews attend synagogue only on Yom Kippur, including 37% of non-religious traditional Jews.
The survey, conducted in July-August 2026, included 1,002 Jewish respondents aged 18 and over.
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