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Work motivations among ultra-Orthodox Jewish men in Israel

Bibliographic Data

ID12596802
AuthorsNetanel Gemara (0000-0003-3237-2928, University of Haifa, corresponding author), Chananel Goldfinger (0009-0007-3216-9547, University of Haifa)
Year2026
Pages1-19
Publication date2026-02-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCommunity Work & Family (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1366-8803 • E-ISSN: 1469-3615
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13668803.2026.2624057
OpenAlexW7127103962
LanguageEN
References cited75

The integration of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the Israeli workforce represents a significant social transition. Based on semi-structured interviews with 15 ultra-Orthodox men who transitioned from full-time religious study to work, this article examines their work motivations. The analysis revealed five different motivational categories: Livelihood (satisfying basic economic needs), Enjoyment (satisfaction from work), Honor (gaining respect through the profession), Fulfillment (realizing personal potential), and Religion (performing work as a religious commandment). While previous research has emphasized economic necessity as the primary driver of labor force participation among ultra-Orthodox men, this study reveals a more complex interplay of practical, personal, and religious motivations. The findings extend the existing theoretical framework of work orientation by highlighting religious motivation as a distinct category and showing how ultra-Orthodox men reconstruct their meaning when transitioning from religious study to secular employment. The study contributes to understanding work motivation in religious contexts and has implications for developing culturally sensitive workplace integration programs.

Doing gender · Ethnography · Judaism · Work (physics · Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies · Jewish Identity and Society · Workplace Spirituality and Leadership

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