Israeli Society and the Haredim: A Turning Point?

Anger is growing among Israelis across the political spectrum over Haredi or ultra-Orthodox behavior in response to the coronavirus, with massive disobedience to government health regulations despite soaring Haredi infection rates.

But why has Haredi society failed so badly to meet the coronavirus challenge? What are the conflicting values at the heart of the Haredi dilemma? And what does it mean for the coming elections and, more profoundly, for the future of Israel? In the latest episode of For Heaven’s Sake, Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi and Elana Stein Hain unpack one of the most vexing challenges facing Israel.

For Heaven’s Sake is a podcast from the Shalom Hartman Institute’s iEngage Project that revives the lost art of Jewish debate for the sake of illuminating a topic, not sowing division. The podcast draws its name from the concept of Machloket l’shem shemayim, “Disagreeing for the sake of heaven.”

Subscribe to For Heaven’s Sake on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you receive your podcasts.