Ultra-Orthodox Lifestyles

The lifestyle of the ultra-Orthodox community is in constant flux. More and more members of the ultra-Orthodox community are enlisting in the army and serving in Civilian National Service, use the internet, hold drivers’ licenses, and go for vacations; thus, despite the wide gaps between the ultra-Orthodox and the rest of the Jewish population in these areas of life, it is clear that the trend toward its integration into the broader society is gaining strength. 

Enlistment in the IDF or Volunteering for Civilian National Service

In 2017, 3,685 ultra-Orthodox men, comprisingabout 34% of male graduates of the ultra-Orthodox education system, enlisted in the army or joined the Civilian National Service - an increase of only 5% as compared with 2016. Among those who chose to serve, 83% enlisted in the army in 2017, and 17% joined the Civilian National Service - a decline of 8% when compared with the previous year. 

Despite the fact that the ultra-Orthodox can enlist in the IDF at an older age, the vast majority enlist at an early age. In 2017, 69% of those who enlisted in the army were between the ages of 18-20, as compared with 21% between the ages of 21-23, and only 10% ages 24-27.

 

Use of the Internet among the ultra-Orthodox ages 20 +

In 2016-2017, 43% of the ultra-Orthodox population used the internet, less than half of the percentage among the rest of the Jewish population (88%). In comparison, in 2008-2009, only 28% of the ultra-Orthodox population used the internet. There is no difference between ultra-Orthodox men and women in use of the internet. 

Vacationing in Israel and Abroad

The ultra-Orthodox prefer to vacation in Israel, though there is an upward trend towards vacationing abroad. In 2016-2017, 51% vacationed in Israel and 16% abroad (as compared with 12% in 2013-2014), as compared with 61% in Israel and 51% abroad among the rest of the Jewish population.