In Hiddush's last newsletter, we highlighted a number of aspects involving the current controversy over the Shabbat bill. What we would now like to share with you, our colleagues, is a more focused perspective on the religious debate and the conduct of religious politicians in this controversy. This will give you deeper insight as to how this controversy factors in the ongoing … [Read more...] about The Shabbat bill controversy: A focused perspective on the religious debate and the conduct of religious politicians
Analysis
“Religionization” in Israel secular public schools
The challenge of Jewish education and forging Jewish identity is dear and near to all of us. The challenge associated with these subjects in the modern era in an environment of an open society, which embraces Jews on the one hand - and in the State of Israel where only a minority defines itself as religious on the other hand - is self-evident. Both the Jewish community in the … [Read more...] about “Religionization” in Israel secular public schools
The Chief Rabbinate vs. The State of Israel and the Jewish People
Criticism of the Israeli Chief Rabbinate is nothing new. It has often been voiced in the RRFEI newsletter and resources, as well as in Hiddush's materials. It covers a myriad of issues, which in recent years include its delegitimization of Modern Orthodox attempts at addressing the Rabbinate's failures in the areas of conversion and kashrut certification. Developments in the … [Read more...] about The Chief Rabbinate vs. The State of Israel and the Jewish People
NEW public opinion studies on marriage freedom in Israel
Exploring Israel's Jewish and Arab sectors, as well as the Zionist Orthodox community This week, new perspectives regarding Israelis’ views on marriage freedom and related issues were presented to the public. After years of polling Jewish public opinion, Hiddush initiated a special study of both Israel’s Jewish sector and its Arab sector, and its findings were released … [Read more...] about NEW public opinion studies on marriage freedom in Israel
Rabbi Uri Regev responds to “How to Finally Get Egalitarian Prayer at the Western Wall” (Tablet Magazine – Nov. 22., 2016)
Liel Leibovitz's "How to Finally Get Egalitarian Prayer at the Western Wall" can be found HERE. Rabbi Uri Regev's response follows below: As Liel Leibowitz (LL) suggests, the non-Orthodox movements should broaden their appeal and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Nevertheless, I have strong reservations as to the specifics of LL's perspective on what is "unnecessary … [Read more...] about Rabbi Uri Regev responds to “How to Finally Get Egalitarian Prayer at the Western Wall” (Tablet Magazine – Nov. 22., 2016)