What’s More Frightening Than Snakes on a Plane?
For these “religious freedom” advocates, it’s women.
Read Moreultra orthodox
Hipsters vs. Hasids, Round: Yawn
A tale of schlock and damnation.
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Reparative Therapy is Quackery, Rabbis Agree—But that Doesn’t Mean it’s Okay to Be Gay
The Rabbis are Right to
Be Afraid
40,000 Hasidim vs. Internet.
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An Open Letter to Rabbi Dov Linzer on Modesty and Jewish Law
While the Talmud dictates that both men and women dress modestly, the legal tradition that follows in its wake makes dress requirements for women much more rigid. Thus, the fact that in many Orthodox summer camps, or Kibbutzim, one can readily find young Orthodox men in shorts and T-shirts while young girls wear skirts and longer sleeves is not inconsequential.
And how often are religious boys told, “Don’t wear that, it’s not tznius (modest)!”? Not very often.
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The Hypocrisy in Protests against Ultra-Orthodox in Israel
In light of recent events in the small Israeli town of Beit Shemesh, many in the modern Jewish world have argued the haredim (ultra-Orthodox) have crossed a line.
Read MoreKung Fu Nuns, The Beatles, & Amish Healthcare: The Week In Religion… Poetically
A roundup of the latest from the world of religion.
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Are They Jewish Bones? Battle for Separation of Synagogue & State in Israel
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.
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Holy Spit: Why Do Ultra-Orthodox Jews Spit at Christians?
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?
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Of Zionism and Anti-Zionism: The Ultra Orthodox and the Settler Movement in Israel
Israel’s Ultra Orthodox, or Haredim, do not share the theological assumptions of the settlers—but in recent years a purely pragmatic alliance has formed. What does this mean for Israel as a society?
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