Archive for 2018
The Renaissance of Jewish Study Among Secular Israelis
This lengthy article by Rachel Delia Benaim and Yitzhak Bronstein explores how a new generation of Israelis has begun to bridge the religious-secular divide, synthesizing Torah study and liberalism to create a new form of Israeli values.
An American Jewish Educator’s Journey into the World of Israeli Secular Torah Study
In this personal account, American Jewish educator, Rabbi David Kasher, describes the growing world of secular Israeli organizations devoted to Torah study. He compares American Jewish religious pluralism and Israeli secular Torah study,
Is Israel the Nation-State or Religious State of the Jewish People?
Produced by the Israel Democracy Institute, this video (02:05) features Yair Sheleg exploring how the ultra-Orthodox monopoly over religious life in Israel has led to a growing rift between Israeli and Diaspora Jewry. He describes the exclusion of liberal
Rabbi David Stav: State and Religion in Israel
Produced on the eve of the Jewish New Year in 2014, this video (05:35) features Rabbi David Stav summarizing religion-state issues in Israel over the past year. He refers to efforts to pass
Religion & State: The Kosher Monopoly
Produced by the Israel Democracy Institute, this video (01:49) features Dr. Shuki Friedman, Director of the Center for Religion, Nation and State, describing the financial, ethical and democratic issues with the current monopoly of the ultra-Orthodox Chief Rabbinate over the
Liberal Judaism in Israel
This introductory article presents the attitudes toward the liberal Reform and Conservative/Masorti streams of Judaism in both official status and public opinion in Israel. After outlining the basic institutions of each movement in
CNN Segment on Ultra-Orthodox Army Draft in Israel
Produced by CNN, this short news segment (03:44) presents the tension between the ultra-Orthodox sector of Israeli society and the State of Israel, particularly in regards to the economic and social implications of
A Jewish Anti-Zionist Perspective to Drafting the Ultra-Orthodox to the IDF
Produced by True Torah Jews, an anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox movement, this video (05:53) presents an extreme perspective on the controversial efforts of the Israeli government to alter the status quo and increase the draft
2018 Israel Religion & State Index
Put together by Hiddush: Freedom of Religion for Israel, this 29-page document presents the findings of the 2018 Israel Religion & State Index, exploring complex issues of Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state.
Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie: America, Israel, and the Perfect Jewish Democracy
Produced by Hiddush: Freedom of Religion for Israel, this short video (03:22) presents an interview with Israeli-American educator, writer and performance artist, Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, in which he speaks about about the challenges that the