Israeli Life and Leisure in the 21st Century

Dr. Michael Leitner 
Faculty, CSU, Chico Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management Department 

Dr. Leitner’s presentation is based on the book he and Sara Leitner edited, “Inside Israel: Israeli Life and Leisure in the 21st Century,” and on his experiences living in Israel three times, for one year each time. While 80 percent of the country’s 8 million people are Jewish, Dr. Leitner points out that many of the activities on religious holidays are quite secular there. For example, Yom Kippur doubles as “National Bicycle Day,” with no motorized vehicles allowed on the streets, and  jelly donuts are eaten as part of the celebration of Hanukah. To illustrate the importance Israelis place on having leisure activities available in public places, Dr. Leitner shows photos of the extensive recreational facilities at public beaches – shade structures, volleyball courts, folk dancing groups, and carts that serve as miniature lending libraries. 

Recorded: May 7, 2014