On a more general level, the findings of this study might contribute to a better understanding of the behavioral patterns of minority groups and closed-religious communities in the context of health and illness overall, and during pandemics in particular. Understanding these circumstances, as they are perceived by ultra-Orthodox individuals themselves, may shed light on aspects of ultra-Orthodox society which relate both to the promotion of health and to the spread of illness. Hence, the current research sought to examine the circumstances that led to the high COVID-19 infection rates amongst the ultra-Orthodox population, based on their own perspectives. It appears that the characteristics of the ultra-Orthodox community which are viewed as health-promoting (Chernichovsky and Sharony 2015), are not effective in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. More so, not only were the ultra-Orthodox being infected disproportionately, they were also dying of COVID-19 at a much higher rate (Hanau 2020). Nevertheless, the spread of COVID-19 in Israel in March 2020 led to particularly high infection rates amongst the ultra-Orthodox population, and during the period March–November 2020, 40% of the total number of verified COVID-19 cases in Israel were from the ultra-Orthodox sector-a particularly high rate relative to their proportion in the population (Malach and Cahaner 2020). These relationships between religious aspects and health are similarly seen amongst other religious communities as well (Elgar et al. Moreover, the researchers refer to the positive effect that religious rituals and practices, and a faith-based worldview have on the health of ultra-Orthodox individuals. Components of social capital in this context include close relations with family and friends, a high degree of community involvement, and trust in religious leaders. Chernichovsky and Sharony ( 2015) explained these patterns by noting the positive relationship between measurements of high social capital-which characterize the ultra-Orthodox society-and various health-promoting aspects. In Israel, the ultra-Orthodox population has one of the highest life expectancies in the world and tend to report better health compared to the general population (Chernichovsky and Sharony 2015 Muhsen et al. Ultra-Orthodox society (also known as the Haredi community) is characterized by a strict interpretation of Jewish law, conservatism and seclusion from the majority society (Friedman 1991 Heilman 2000). In Israel, the ultra-Orthodox population is composed of over one million people who constitute 12.5% of the entire population of Israel (Malach and Cahaner 2020). The ultra-Orthodox population is a minority group in Israeli society and the Jewish world. Study limitations are discussed and recommendations for future research are provided. The findings further reveal the importance of cooperation between the state authorities and the religious ones, and of providing culturally adapted health service solutions in the fight against COVID-19 and promoting health more generally. These findings demonstrate the central role of religion in health outcomes among the ultra-Orthodox community in general and during pandemics in particular, and they shed light on the central role of religion in health outcomes among closed-religious communities. The findings showed that a wide range of causes led to the high infection rate, including aspects that derive from a structural element, a religious element and a social-ideological element-all of which are directly or indirectly connected to religion. The data were analyzed through identification of main themes and an interpretation of their meanings. The current study utilizes a qualitative design and is based on in-depth interviews, email correspondence and online records of 25 ultra-Orthodox individuals who either tested positive for COVID-19 or had contact with a verified COVID-19 patient. The current paper focuses on the circumstances that have led to the high COVID-19 infection rates amongst the ultra-Orthodox population in Israel.
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