Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families are an unmissable facet of Israeli life. The numbers and the political and cultural clout of the adherents of this practice of Judaism are continuing to grow. That’s bringing their vision of faith, Jewish identity and civic practices on a collision course with that of other religious and especially secular Israelis. Mass protests over proposed changes to the exemption from the military draft for ultra-Orthodox men highlight the most contentious issue as the country approaches three years of war on multiple fronts and national elections. At the core of ultra-Orthodox doctrine is the belief that studying scripture is a higher duty than any other, including working or fighting.