Haredi Jews, or Ultra-Orthodox Jews, refers to a socio-religious demographic of Jewish people that follow strict interpretations of Torah, halachah (Jewish traditions) and rabbinical decrees.
Haredi Jews are not a monolithic group, and have many ideological beliefs and differences sect to sect. Some characteristics that are often shared are cultural. Haredi Jews often wear old shtetl-style black and white clothing with distinct hats, have large families with a focus on the family unit, and live in neighbourhoods with predominantly Haredi families.
Ideologically, haredi Jews vary on zionism, but often believe in separation of genders in public spaces, are against public life and works on shabbat, and are often antagonistic to many manifestations of technology. Haredi youth are expected to learn Jewish scriptures in Yeshivas until they are married.
There are about 1.8 million haredi Jews in the world, many living in Europe, the United States, and Israel. In Israel Haredim make up about 12% of the population. There are haredi parties in the Israeli Knesset, such as Shas, United Torah Judaism, Noam, and Yachad.
One conflict between haredi Jews and other cleavages in Israeli society is military service. In the past there have been protests against the conscription of haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Laws have previously been passed to compromise and preclude haredi men from conscription. Another point of contention has in the past been haredi representation in the workforce, but the number of haredi Jews integrating into the workforce has been increasing.
Of the 338 new haredi draftees, 211 are in combat units, while 127 are in units to support combat units.
Do non-working haredi men today truly believe that they are more worthy Torah scholars than were the great sages of the Talmudic and subsequent eras?
A key finding of the survey was how different sectors of the Israeli public value the haredi contribution to the war effort.
This coalition of destruction is focused solely on fortifying the privileges of its participants, funneling billions towards sectarian needs, dismantling institutions, and shirking responsibility.
Scenes of Deutsch running outside show the joy that the petite athlete takes in the sport and will likely inspire others to give it a try.
Israel was built on the dreams of its people. To dream while holding the dreams of others is not weakness; it is the strength to dream together – not in unison, but in harmony.
Only a conscription law that includes minimal exemptions and with teeth will enable the continued defense and prosperity of the state.
He told the brigade's ultra-Orthodox fighters "we will preserve the Haredi lifestyle of the soldiers here - there is no contradiction between devout Judaism and combat, courage, and battle."
Rabbi David Leybel, a graduate of the most prestigious Lithuanian haredi institutions, is leading a quickly growing movement that is revolutionizing ultra-Orthodox society.
With a giant presence – both physical and onstage - and outward haredi trappings, Botzer created music that reached out spiritual seekers of any level of observance
JPOST Digital Library
