Study as an educational leisure activity: The case of Israeli society

בתי מדרש דתיים זהות חברה ישראלית חילונים לימוד תרבות יהודית

This empirical study explores the phenomenon of Torah study as a form of "serious leisure" in Israeli society, examining it as a bridge between religious and secular populations. Based on a sample of 234 respondents (divided into those studying in Hevruta, those attending lectures, and a control group), the authors analyze the motivations and benefits of engaging with Jewish texts outside of a mandatory religious context. The findings indicate that for both religious and secular Israelis, Torah study serves as a significant educational leisure activity that contributes to intellectual challenge, self-enrichment, and a sense of social belonging. The study highlights how traditional Jewish learning methods are being adapted as voluntary cultural practices in contemporary Israel.