Q&A: Haredim
Haredim
Question
I read that in several places you write against the Haredim. I agree with the criticism, but seemingly it is clear that the community that observes Jewish law in the most consistent and serious way, and succeeds in preserving that over several generations (unlike the Religious Zionist community), is the Haredi community. What justification is there for educating the next generation in a community that will observe the laws less carefully, no matter how right they may be on every other issue? For example, when Jewish law contradicts a moral principle, you agree that one should choose Jewish law—so what is the difference here?
And when a person is in such a community, that does not mean he justifies its shortcomings; it means he understands that overall it is the most worthwhile option. It’s a business decision.
On another topic, have you read Tuvia Tenenbom’s book “Haredi and Happy”? What do you think of it?
Answer
I do not agree that that is where Jewish law is observed best. Absolutely not. Their definition of Jewish law is distorted. They violate so many laws and values that, on the overall balance, they are far from being in a good place. The crookedness at the base of these arguments is part of the problem with Haredism.
And even if that were the case, it still would not be true that one should and ought to do everything in order to preserve Judaism. Not at any price. For example, nobody runs off to the desert in order to avoid the prohibitions of evil speech and other prohibitions involved in living in society. There is normal life in the world, and one may and should live it despite the dangers involved. The Torah was not given to the ministering angels.
I haven’t read it.
Thanks