The survey was carried out by the Shiluv Institute for Market Research of 503 Israeli adults. Mif'al HaPayis, Israel's national lottery organization, commissioned the poll in honor of its upcoming annual 50-million shekel lottery, which this year is themed "Amulets, Charms and Superstitions."
The National Lottery is trying to promote awareness of the possibility of suddenly winning 50 million shekels (over $11.6 million). To this end, it has aired commercials of genuine phone conversations in which citizens learn of their sudden change in status. In addition, the survey asked such questions as, "Whom would you not tell that you won 50 million shekels?" and "Whom would you tell first?" Respondents, ostensibly enjoying entertaining the mere thought of such a possibility, said they would either tell no one at all (20%), or everyone (15%), and definitely not their neighbor (8%) or their boss (2%). 44% said they would first tell their spouse, while 20% said they would tell their parents first.
Proceeds from the Mif'al HaPayis lotteries are used towards building schools and sports centers throughout Israel.
In honor of this year's theme, Mif'al HaPayis asked questions about certain beliefs of the public. 42% of Israelis aged 18-22 said there are events or objects that they believe will bring them good or bad luck, while only 19% of those over aged 60 believe this.
The most superstitious sector is that which defines itself as "traditional" - of which 37% say they believe in superstitions. 31% of the secular, and only 7% of the hareidi, described themselves that way.
Over 80% of the religious public say they do not believe in superstitions, placing this sector behind the hareidim, but ahead of the secular and way ahead of the traditional. The poll shows that in total, some 30% of Israelis believe in some superstitions.
Those with a European, American or Russian background are less superstitious, according to the poll, than those born in Asia and Africa. Women are more likely to believe in superstitions, by a 39%-27% margin, the poll shows.
Some of the popular superstitions are Jewish in nature, and in fact 4% of the public walks around with a Book of Psalms for this purpose, and 5% with a Kabbalist charm. Other wear or carry a Magen David (Jewish star). A third of those polled say the believe the words "hamsa hamsa" or "tfu tfu" ward off bad luck, while 28% fear a black cat walking in front of them. A similar number feel that knocking on wood brings benefit.
Participants in the annual 50-million shekel lottery are asked to pick five numbers out of 49. If no one ends up having picked the correct number, the grand prize will be apportioned to those who chose four out of the five correct numbers. Tickets may be purchased at stands across the country, and the drawing will be held on Dec. 11.
The National Lottery is trying to promote awareness of the possibility of suddenly winning 50 million shekels (over $11.6 million). To this end, it has aired commercials of genuine phone conversations in which citizens learn of their sudden change in status. In addition, the survey asked such questions as, "Whom would you not tell that you won 50 million shekels?" and "Whom would you tell first?" Respondents, ostensibly enjoying entertaining the mere thought of such a possibility, said they would either tell no one at all (20%), or everyone (15%), and definitely not their neighbor (8%) or their boss (2%). 44% said they would first tell their spouse, while 20% said they would tell their parents first.
Proceeds from the Mif'al HaPayis lotteries are used towards building schools and sports centers throughout Israel.
In honor of this year's theme, Mif'al HaPayis asked questions about certain beliefs of the public. 42% of Israelis aged 18-22 said there are events or objects that they believe will bring them good or bad luck, while only 19% of those over aged 60 believe this.
The most superstitious sector is that which defines itself as "traditional" - of which 37% say they believe in superstitions. 31% of the secular, and only 7% of the hareidi, described themselves that way.
Over 80% of the religious public say they do not believe in superstitions, placing this sector behind the hareidim, but ahead of the secular and way ahead of the traditional. The poll shows that in total, some 30% of Israelis believe in some superstitions.
Those with a European, American or Russian background are less superstitious, according to the poll, than those born in Asia and Africa. Women are more likely to believe in superstitions, by a 39%-27% margin, the poll shows.
Some of the popular superstitions are Jewish in nature, and in fact 4% of the public walks around with a Book of Psalms for this purpose, and 5% with a Kabbalist charm. Other wear or carry a Magen David (Jewish star). A third of those polled say the believe the words "hamsa hamsa" or "tfu tfu" ward off bad luck, while 28% fear a black cat walking in front of them. A similar number feel that knocking on wood brings benefit.
Participants in the annual 50-million shekel lottery are asked to pick five numbers out of 49. If no one ends up having picked the correct number, the grand prize will be apportioned to those who chose four out of the five correct numbers. Tickets may be purchased at stands across the country, and the drawing will be held on Dec. 11.