haredi jews

CultureSeptember 13, 2010

Ultra Orthodox Murder-Suicide Makes Headlines

By Shalom Goldman

By bringing young Haredi men into contact with the permanent emergency that is Israeli civil society, volunteer organizations and the Israeli Army have brought these young men into contact with the world of physical violence, aggression, and gun use. Hitherto protected by their insularity and separateness from Israeli society, these ultra-Orthodox males are becoming socialized to Israeli norms. And they and their community are paying a heavy price for that socialization.

Politics/LawAugust 24, 2010

Israel’s Immigration Debate: “Where is the Jewish Spirit?”

By Mati Wagner

Remarkably and dismally, Israel, which faces such formidable demographic challenges is (as a recent report by Israeli think tank the Metzilah Center noted) “the only Western democracy that still lacks an immigration policy.”

(A)theologies, Politics/LawApril 13, 2010

Are They Jewish Bones? Battle for Separation of Synagogue & State in Israel

By Shalom Goldman

An ancient burial site was unearthed while building a badly needed emergency room. Contradicting the opinion of scientists, a group of Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis declared the bones Jewish, setting off a battle that has reached the highest seat of power and caused observers to question the role of religion in government decisions.

(A)theologies, Culture, Politics/LawApril 7, 2010

Holy Spit: Why Do Ultra-Orthodox Jews Spit at Christians?

By Shalom Goldman

A bold new forum was recently organized to confront a persistent problem in Jewish-Christian relations in Jerusalem. But why are Ultra-Orthodox Jewish teens spitting on Christians in the first place?