Israel is one of the young states. It appeared on the political map of the world only in 1949. However, the old traditions, carefully preserved by Jews around the world, have received a new development with the creation of the State of Israel. Judaism, being the national religion of the Jews, is of the greatest importance in Israel, although the Zionists, who stood at the origins of the Jewish state, did not give any religion the status of a state.
Judaism in Israel
Judaism has greatly influenced all areas of life in Israel. The vast majority of food outlets serve kosher food. The official day off is Saturday, and on this day, shops, restaurants and even the passenger transportation system are closed in many places. In many places you can see ultra-Orthodox Jews, whose way of life practically does not differ from that which was adopted among their ancestors in Europe in the 19th century.
Throughout the country, Judaism is the predominant religion, with most of the Jewish believers being Orthodox. Reformed Jews and other "Jewish Protestants" are relatively few, but they also have their influence in society and the state. Interfaith differences in Judaism are strong enough, and in an ultra-Orthodox quarter, a religious Zionist in a knitted bale can get into trouble if locals feel that he does not have enough respect for Jewish traditions. However, during hostilities, all Israelis unite, which is largely due to the merit of Judaism.
Other religions of Israel
In addition to Judaism, the traditions of Islam make a huge contribution to the life of the country. And, although Islam does not strongly influence public life, the oriental flavor is noticeable throughout the country: from the very western, in fact, Tel Aviv and Netanya, to Jerusalem, which seems to have descended from the pages of oriental fairy tales. The latter is home to many Arabs and houses several important Muslim shrines, including one of the most important - the Dome of the Rock Mosque.
Christianity, too, could not but have a strong influence on Israel. For a long time, the Promised Land was divided and conquered from each other by crusaders and Muslim Saracen warriors, trade routes passed here, which also contributed to the mixing of religions, cultures and languages.
Everywhere there are Christian churches of different denominations, including the famous Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem - the place where, according to legend, the founder of Christianity, Jesus Christ, was buried after the crucifixion. A huge number of pilgrims from different countries come every year to pray in the Holy Land.
The center of another Abrahamic religion - Bahaism - is the city of Haifa in northern Israel. Unlike Muslim countries, where Baha'i adherents are persecuted as "apostates", Israel is very tolerant of this religion, and thousands of thousands of adherents of the young religion visit Haifa every year.
