The phenomenon of becoming religious among secular pupils at high schools in Israel

Abstract

The phenomenon of adopting a religious lifestyle is growing worldwide in general and in Israel in particular. In the Israeli context, the transition from a secular lifestyle to a religious one is defined as “repentance”. Sociologists define the repentant as someone who has changed his or her beliefs, opinions and behaviours in the direction of the religious-ritualistic establishment. The aim of this research was to examine the attitudes of homeroom teachers in secular state high schools towards the phenomenon of becoming religious among their students. A qualitative methodology was employed for gathering and analysing the data. The findings show that most of the teachers (79%) claimed that the phenomenon of becoming religious is taking place in their classes to some degree or other. Most of the teachers mentioned the features of adolescence (forming an identity, seeking meaning, and peer influence) as the main reasons for becoming religious. At this era of radicalisation, teachers, with the support of the entire education system, are expected to provide a suitable response to those adolescents seeking their way, and help them navigate their path.

Keywords:

• Becoming religious
• repentance
• adolescence
• identity
• faith

Notes

1. Maimonides, c.1175. Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Teshuva, Chap. 2, Halacha 1, Babylonian Talmud Pesachim Tractate, Page 50, sheet 2 (Hebrew).