Survey: 57% of ‘Secular’ Or ‘Traditional’ Open to Torah Study

A new survey found that a majority of Jews in Israel who identify themselves as “secular” or “traditional” would be interested in devoting some time each day to Torah study, Arutz Sheva reported.

Some 57 percent of the several hundred surveyed from various social backgrounds by the Motagim Institute for the Maimonides Daily said they would be willing to commit five minutes a day to the teachings of the Rambam.

Fifty-four percent of respondents said they only have a “basic grasp” of Judaism, compared with just nine percent who claimed advanced knowledge.

Forty-eight percent of respondents said they would like to deepen their studies of the Jewish family and related laws and traditions; twent-six percent stated a desire to learn more about the Jewish festivals.

Interest in Torah was found to be stronger among respondents 45 years of age or older than among younger people.

The finding is the latest indication of a positive trend toward Judaism among Israelis, particularly in the Tel Aviv area.

Last year, the city drew an unprecedented 2,000 participants at a Shabbas meal.

This article appeared in print on page 23 of the February 4th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.