Question

In the column that dealt with defining Haredi ideology, a fascinating definition was proposed (finally, someone is writing what I think), but in my opinion one more distinction is missing, and that is regarding Torah study. The Religious Zionist person, who may well observe Jewish law more fully than any Haredi, sees Torah study as one commandment among the commandments and as one field of study among others (just as you need a doctor and a lawyer, so too you need a halakhic decisor so we know how to act). The Haredi sees Torah study as an additional component beyond Jewish law, as a central root of his life; therefore he is willing to sacrifice even many commandments for the sake of his learning. One should think about this distinction before judging it. It fits most of the cases I know, and I see this as an ideological distinction.