Rivka Neriya-Ben Shahar, a researcher from Jerusalem who identifies as an Orthodox Jewish woman, has conducted extensive field research on Amish communities in Pennsylvania. Her academic work centers on identifying the similarities and differences between the Haredi Jewish population in Israel and the Amish in the United States. Both groups are characterized by their commitment to highly traditional lifestyles, distinct dress codes, and a desire to maintain cultural separation from modern secular society.

Neriya-Ben Shahar’s research explores how these two groups navigate the challenges of preserving religious identity in a rapidly changing world. By spending significant time living among the Amish, she has sought to understand how their insular communities manage technology, education, and social integration. The study highlights that while the theological foundations of the two groups differ significantly, the sociological pressures they face—such as balancing tradition with external societal influence—are remarkably similar. The researcher notes that her own background as an Orthodox woman has provided a unique perspective, allowing her to bridge the cultural gap and gain access to the often private lives of the Amish families she studies.