Haredim: A Divided People

I found a wonderful article to connect with the first chapter I read in Rosenthal concerning Haredim Jews. I chose to write on this chapter because I knew there would be a plethora of material to be discovered about these "extremist Jews". I had to keep in mind though, that there is little to no uniformity within Israel of the ultra-orthodox Jews. The article that I was able to find on Haaretz attempted to convey the the multiple division within and around the Haredi community. With little socioeconomic security, the people of Israel struggle to hold on to what jobs they can find to support their families. I really enjoyed the article because of its diversity and also its tolerance and respect for a vast number of different lifestyles. As many problems and internal strife the country of Israel endures, the fact still remains that it was founded on Jewish princicples. The reason I say Jewish principles and not Judaism, the religion, is because there is so much contreversy over who is Jewish. The question is not ONLY who is Jewish, but what does it mean to be Jewish and how Jewish are these individuals?

We touched on this in class just a little bit? How can there be any type of census, even if there was someone to conduct surveys, if your committment to the religion is not easily determined? Does being Jewish mean following the rituals? Keeping Kosher, honoring the Sabbath, Shabbot on Fridays.. ? Does it mean knowing the scriptures? Keeping up with prayers? Going to synagogue regularly? What about if your mother is Jewish, but you were raised by a Christian father? There are too many indescrepancies, too many unanswered questions, and too many everything else. To judge someone on their religiousity is un-religious in itself because you are stepping out of your place as God's follower and into God's place as the one entity ever allowed to judge you. Now, this is obviously just my opinion, but these core foundation questions are what keeps Israel so divided. I hope I don't sound negative... that is not how i intended to come off. I find Israel to be a phenomenal country and one that I cannot wait to visit! The issues of the country should be cloesly examined, however.

The article I read described the different types of Haredi Jews and citizens of Israel should not look to blame "Arabs" or "extremist Jews", but the government for abandoning them. The author of the article, Avirama Golan, states there is no connection between Haredi Jews who brea klaws by "stoning women" and the Haredi Jewish woman collecting her children as she walks toward her husband peacefully. He says there is no connection between the extremists who are trying to get their point across through violence and a Bnei Brak student. Has the government turned its back on its citizens? Or is there so many contrasting views that it just takes much more time to pass helpful legislation? It's also vital to examine the practices of Ashskenazi haredim Jews and how they are so easily identifiable. Following the most strict practice of Jewish law, the Haredim can be easily spotted. Rosenthal describes that "all men wear black kippot and cover them with black hats (184)." Women are warned to dress modestly, covering all skin from "collarbone to wrists (Rosenthal 184)." There is no actual wall that encloses the growing Haredi community, but the psychological walls are distinguishable. There is an apparent baby boom as pregnant women are seen in these communities pushing strollers with numerous children playing in the streets. In addition, the Haredi father who granted Rosenthal permission to interview him was exposed as having 10 children. In the beginning the chapter he describes their religiousity and views on various topics. While reading this, I was trying to tie in the chapters and articles I have read over the past couple of weeks. Is this the same country plagued with countless suicide bombers? Is this the same country where army and military personnel are forced to live a life in constant fear of sudden death? And finally, is this the same country where frivolous sexual activity is tolerated at a considerably young age? THIS IS THE SAME COUNTRY!! Look at its diversity!!

Haredim Jews live in Jerusalem, undeniably. This growing population has many issues facing them if their plan on remaining in Jerusalem. The capacity of the city cannot keep everyone forever. When "Benjamin Stein" was speaking of his oldest child, Leah, he went on tell Rosenthal how he envisions Leah's marriage choices. Choices is probably an inapropriate word to use since a profession matchmaker will be used. Genesis 1:28 instructs to "Be fruitful and multiply" so followers of this religion are expected to have many children, but where will all these children live? Surely, a big apartment will ne needed and Sarah confesses, "Really cheap ones are out in the settlements. But what goos is a big apartment is your neighbors want you dead? (Rosenthal 195)" With all the diversity in Israel, and I am speaking now of just the Jews, there is still a sense of universality: constant conflict with the "Arabs". How could I forget that so quickly?! When I say Arabs, I mean Palestinians. Speaking of which, I found a very interesting video on youtube.

This video is a Haredim Jews speaking about the dismantlement of Israel. He states that there is not a Muslim-Jewish problem, but a Israel-Palestine problem. He says that there is no reason Jews cannot co-exist with the Muslims. Zionism, he states, has an agenda and has stolen the symbols of Judaism to create the state. The video is very interesting and only adds to the diversity of the country. I wonder how many different views on the Jewish state there actually is. Also, I never thought I would find a Jew who opposed the state of Israel.

All in all, this has been one of my favorite chapters of the book thus far. The last thing I wanted to discuss in this blog post, was the story about "Josh" at the end of the this chapter. The story is about a young man who wanted to escape his Haredi community and the great lengths he has to go to just to find some inner peace. Even if you are born into one of these ultra-Orthodox communities, it may or may not be what you are destined to become. Many hve dreams of leaaving and finding something that better suits them at any cost. Josh for example, has to leave all his possessions and family behind. Everything he has ever known he will never be able to have again. On top of having to detatch himself from personal belongings, not always an easy task, he has to say goodbye to his family the basis of everything he has ever known. Would you be able to walk away from all you've known since birth for more knowledge? for a better life? But is it a better life? I can only imagine the turmoil this young man was experiencing upon his departure. The story ends with his father telling him that he basically been completely disowned from the family. WHAT!! Disowned from the family for wanting to do something different? I have to remember I have a Western way of thinkig and comprehending. I could never imagine my family holding me back from something I wanted to do. Josh's family doesn't see themselves as holding him back however. I'm sure they are thinking how dare he WANT to leave his family and religion.

What will be the consequence of his actions? We will see in the years to come.