Pre-Trip Profiles - The Haredi/Ultra-Orthodox Community in Israel

In the first half of the year, Danny's Israel Seminar class learned about a number of different communities in Israel. One of those communities was the Ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi (Hebrew for "those who fear") community. This group is composed of Jews who largely reject many modern social norms and trends. Their adherence to Jewish law is exceedingly strict and is largely based on the Shulhan Arukh with day-to-day life governed by rabbis within each sect of the community. The community is divided along various lines: Ashkenazic (generally speaking, from what was once known as Christian Europe in the Middle Ages), Sephardic (from North Africa, and various parts of the Muslim world), and many other inter- and intra-communal divides.

The role and place of the Haredi community in Israel is currently undergoing a serious change. Whereas the community would once avoid work and army service, current research indicates a shift in that trend. Since the inception of the State, this sector of Israeli society has largely isolated itself from the less-religious communities, opting to go to their own schools, vote for Haredi political parties, abstain from army and national service, and live in Haredi neighborhoods. Although this remains true overall, many parts of the community are beginning to connect to their fellow Israelis and the larger society in ways never seen before. Recently, the D.C.-born former member of Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), Rabbi Dov Lipman wrote an insightful article for the Times of Israel called "The Haredi Spring," wherein he talks about a shift that is occurring in this community. This piece highlights a gradual shift in the attitudes that many Haredim have towards Israel, in particular as it relates to Israel's Memorial and Independence days. It also contains some really remarkable video clips featuring different goings-on in the community (with English subtitles). I highly recommend it if you'd like to learn more.

If you'd like to get a bigger-picture report on the community and its changing trends, please take a look at the following 2016 report from the Israel Democracy Institute, titled "Statistical Report on Ultra-Orthodox Society in Israel." This is one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on the Haredi community in Israel and provides invaluable information and insights.

Enjoy!