Two Currents in Modern Haredism (Hebrew)

• In Event: New Directions in Studies of Orthodoxy

Abstract

Following processes of change that have taken place over the years in the Haredi community in Israel, a current of modern Haredism has emerged that differs from classical Haredism. In this lecture, I will propose a split of modern Haredism into two streams, as described in research over the past five years: one stream seeks to live a practical, modern lifestyle in order to improve their standard of living while the other stream is ideological, using modern tools for intellectual and religious purposes. I will integrate the complementary categorical divisions made by my predecessors: in this way I will reconcile the differences between the two streams of modern Haredism and propose a uniform categorical conceptualization of “Practical Modern Haredism” and of “Ideological Modern Haredism”.
The main point of this lecture and its innovation will be a proposal to expand and sharpen the categorical characterization of each of the two currents of modern Haredism by proposing additional parameters according to which the prototype of each of the two streams can be defined.
In examining the significance of both streams, I would argue that both exemplify significant cultural change. But it is precisely the second, ideological group, which dares to express criticism of the conduct of the broader Haredi community, that actually is leading to profound changes in the community. Despite the opposition this group receives from the classical Haredi mainstream, it is likely that it and its proposals will be accepted in the community , given its Haredi-Orthodox values.
These suggestions have implications for further research. Therefore, I will call upon researchers of the Haredi community to make use of this categorical division, which could prove useful in deepening insights about the Haredi community and the processes of change taking place within it, as well as parallel insights into other religious-conservative communities that are in conflict with modernity.

Author

• Tehila Gado, Hebrew University of Jerusalem