Modes of Jewish Identification & Expression in Israel.
Israel is a living laboratory of competing conceptions of what it means to be Jewish in contemporary times. From the kibbutz to the Hassidic courts of Mea Shearim, from Sheinkin Street to Netivot, each sub-community possesses a different version of the story, raising fundamental questions about Jewish identity, community, and the meaning of tradition.
Background - Onward Israel Recommends
Click here to show more Background - Onward Israel Recommends content ↓
‘What makes one an Israeli?’ Negotiating identities in everyday representations of ‘Israeliness’
Written by Rakefet Sela Sheffy from Tel Aviv University’s Unit of Culture Research, this 19-page long article explores the construction of an Israeli identity not found in public political discourse, based on open responses to
State and Religion in Israel: Possible Scenarios
Written by Shlomo Hasson, this 104 page booklet examines the role of religion in Israeli society. The author explores four fundamental struggles of this subject – the place of religion in public life,
Israel’s Religiously Divided Society (Pew Research Center, 2016
Produced by Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about global trends, this 237-page long report provides the full findings of the 2014-2015 study, which provides insight into Israel’s polarized society,
After the Zionist Revolution: Patterns of Jewish Collective Identity among Israeli Jews
This thorough article compares the findings of the The Jewish People Policy Institute’s Israeli Pluralism Survey (2016) and the Pew Research Center’s survey (2014-2015), the results of which were published as “Israel’s Religiously Divided
Click here to show less Background - Onward Israel Recommends content ↑
Informative Articles & Videos.
Click here to show more Informative Articles & Videos. content ↓
Israel’s Religiously Divided Society
Produced by Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about global trends, this thorough video (19:01) provides insight into Israel’s polarized society, exploring the different ways in which Secular, Traditional, Religious
The Religion-State Status Quo: From Ben Gurion to Today
This post presents resources from the Israel Democracy Institute exploring the development of legislation regarding religion and state in Israel – from David Ben Gurion’s original “status quo” letter until today. Highlighting issues
Jewish Identity Versus Israeli Identity: A New Generation
In this i24News segment (06:49), Dr. Yair Caspi explores the emergence of a new phenomenon of young Israeli Jews from across the religious spectrum picking and choosing from among the various traditions and
The Conflicting Visions of Four Main Sectors of Israeli Society
In this fascinating article by Prof. Yedidia Stern, Vice President of the Israel Democracy Institute, the author outlines the character and vision of four major ideological groups in Israeli society: the secular Zionists, the ultra-Orthodox,
Women of the Wall: Liberating the Western Wall Again
Created by the Women of the Wall in 2013, this promotional video (05:03) introduces the goals and challenges faced by this multi-denominational feminist organization whose goal is to secure the rights of women to pray
How Do We Find a Torah for a Jewish Democracy?
In this video (05:53), created in celebration of Israel’s 70th birthday, Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman argues that the model of total separation of religion and state is neither practical nor ideal in a
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
Is Israel a Theocracy?
Created by Natan’s Notes, a YouTube Channel that provides “clear answers to tough questions,” this minute-long video shows how Israel is not a theocracy, but rather a democracy that has some lows that
Religion & State in Israel: Symbiosis or Separation?
Through interviews with Jerusalem residents, rabbis and intellectuals, this introductory video (03:01) outlines the tension between religion and state in the creation of a Jewish democratic state. The interviews are conducted in Hebrew,
Can Israel be Both Jewish & Democratic?
In this short video (03:46), Rabbi Velvel Belinsky suggests that in order for Israel to be both a Jewish and democratic state, it needs to first define its core identity, values and goals from
Religion & State in Israel: The Marriage Quandary
This introductory video (05:11) explores the possibility of civil marriage in a Jewish democratic state where personal status issues are currently under the monopoly of the ultra-Orthodox Rabbinate. Prominent religious and political leaders discuss the
A Religious-Zionist Perspective on Civil Marriage in Israel
In this short video (04:11) created by Ne’emanei Torah Va’Avodah, a national religious lobbying group that advocates for more moderate policies on religion and state issues, well-known leaders in the Orthodox Religious Zionist community explain
Separation of Religion and State: How Jewish Should Israel Be?
In this video (03:15), Rabbi Avi Novis-Deutsch, Dean of the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary, discusses the role of Judaism in Israel, arguing that state legislation should never dictate how individuals practice Judaism in the
Moshe Koppel: Saving Religion from the State
In this thought provoking video (05:18), Moshe Koppel argues for the separation of religion and state in Israel in order to protect Judaism from the influence of politics. Author of “Religion and State
MK Michaeli: The Role of Secular Jews in the Jewish State & Nation
In this important video (05:23), MK Merav Michaeli responds to the 2017 Western Wall and conversion controversies with a strong message about the essential role that secular Jews play in Israeli society and the Jewish
Click here to show less Informative Articles & Videos. content ↑
Music.
Click here to show more Music. content ↓
Kobi Oz: Prayer of the Secular (with educational guide)
This post presents “Prayer of the Secular” by Kobi Oz, along with a printable educational guide including the Hebrew and English lyrics, explanatory footnotes for the lyrics, and guiding discussion questions. Written from
Israeli Rock Music’s Spiritual New Sound
This article by Yossi Klein Halavei explores the unique phenomenon of “secular” Israeli rock music becoming more inspired by Jewish ideas and liturgy, as well as the historical and political events that have
HaDag Nachash: The Sticker Song (with educational guide)
Released in 2004, amidst the Second Intifada, this hip-hop song is a collection of Israeli bumper stickers representing the full spectrum of religious and political ideologies that make up Israel’s diverse and often polarized society. The
Koolulam: 1000 People Sing Bob Marley’s “One Love” in Jerusalem
This inspirational video presents 1000 people of different backgrounds who gathered together to sing “One Love” by Bob Marley in English, Hebrew and Arabic at the Tower of David in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Women of the Wall: Can’t Keep Quiet
Created by the Women of the Wall, this music video puts footage from the organization’s controversial monthly Rosh Chodesh minyan at the Western Wall to the backdrop of “Quiet” by MILCK, which became the
Alma Zohar: Out of Egypt
This song by Israeli artist, Alma Zohar, criticizes current Israeli policy and public attitudes toward African refugees seeking safety in Israel in light of the history of the Jewish nation as a persecuted
Kobi Oz & Rabbi Nissim Messika: Elohay (with educational guide)
This post presents “Elohay” by Kobi Oz, along with a printable educational guide including the Hebrew and English lyrics, explanatory footnotes for the lyrics, and guiding discussion questions. Written as an ode and duet to his