Haredi Judaism

MORNING TORA READING

Haredi Judaism

Hasidic boys in Poland

Orthodox Jews in Leopoldstadt 1915

Girls and women of Breslov

Haredi Judaism (also spelled Charedi, pronounced [ħaʁeˈdi]) is a stream of Orthodox Judaism characterized by its members' strict adherence to Halakha (Jewish law) and the traditions of the Talmud. The term "Haredi" is often translated as "ultra-Orthodox," a label that many within the community do not embrace, preferring the term "Haredi" itself, which means "one who trembles" in awe of God. Haredi Jews are often distinguished by their dress, which for men includes black suits and hats, and for women, modest attire that covers most of the body.

Beliefs and Practices

Haredi Judaism emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with the teachings of the Torah and Talmud, with a strong focus on daily prayer, Torah study, and the observance of the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. Torah study is considered a central life pursuit for men, with many attending Yeshivas full-time, sometimes into their adult years. Women, while not traditionally participating in formal yeshiva education, are increasingly receiving advanced Jewish education in seminaries.

The community is also known for its segregation from the secular world, with a strong emphasis on preserving traditional values and practices. This includes restrictions on the use of technology, such as television and the internet, and strict guidelines on modesty in dress and behavior.

Community Structure

Haredi communities are typically organized around a strong rabbinical leadership, with prominent rabbis having considerable influence over their followers' lives. These communities are often insular, with their own schools, social services, and sometimes even their own informal judicial systems, based on Halakha.

There is a wide variety of Haredi groups, each with its own customs, leadership, and sometimes even distinct dress codes. These include Hasidic groups, which follow the teachings of specific dynastic leaders, and "Lithuanian" or "Yeshivish" communities, which place a greater emphasis on Talmudic study.

Demographics

Haredi Jews constitute a significant and growing minority within the Jewish population in Israel, where they are often a focus of political and social debate. They are also found in large numbers in the United States, particularly in New York and New Jersey, as well as in parts of Europe, such as the United Kingdom and Belgium.

Challenges and Controversies

The Haredi community faces various challenges, including issues related to employment, education, and integration into broader society. In Israel, the community's exemption from military service has been a contentious issue, as has its approach to secular education, which often does not include a standard curriculum in subjects like mathematics and English.

Despite these challenges, Haredi Judaism remains a vibrant and dynamic force within the Jewish world, with a strong emphasis on family, community, and religious observance.