According to a new nationwide survey, Rabbis report a spiritual revival in America as Jewish people continue to embrace their faith, heritage and traditions following the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Nearly 99 percent of the 211 rabbis that responded to the survey stated that “they have seen an increase in the personal practice of Jewish traditions and observances,” according to Chabad.org, who released the report last week. “Jews are doubling down on being Jewish and recognizing that they are part of a larger people,” said Rabbi Motti Seligson, who is the spokesperson of Chabad.org. They’re finding meaningful ways of connecting with their Judaism and with their people with confidence.” The same study found that more than 86 percent of rabbis said there was an increase in attendance at their programs or services over the past month.

The survey was conducted just ahead of the International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries which will take place in New York City. It is estimated that 6,500 Jewish religious leaders are expected to attend. Organizers of the event have called it “the largest gathering of rabbis in the world.” The survey noted that the sudden upswing in Jewish faith and pride in their heritage has been prominent on college campuses among the students and faculty. The survey also noted that families are “seeking out Jewish instruction for their kids after neglecting it for years” — while one rabbi reported, “I had someone who had only come to Chabad twice in his life purchase a new set of tefillin.” Tefillin are a pair of small black leather boxes containing Hebrew parchment scrolls, where one set is worn on the head and the other on the arm.  University of Alabama Rabbi Kussi Lipskier recently spoke about the upswing in Jewish students’ interest in their heritage by saying, “We’re seeing a lot of students, their souls are united. They’re looking to connect.” He continued by saying, “This is a hard time and they’re under pressure. But they’re coming back home. Unfortunately, it’s under terrible circumstances. But it’s a very powerful thing to do and to see.”