ultra-Orthodox Judaism
Israel’s army exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox are part of a bigger challenge: The Jewish state is divided over the Jewish religion
By Michael Brenner — March 15, 2024
(The Conversation) — The Israel-Hamas war has fueled tensions around military exemptions, but the issue has long roiled Israeli politics.
New York poised to strengthen oversight of nonpublic schools
By Carolyn Thompson — September 13, 2022
A Board of Regents committee unanimously approved guidelines Monday to make sure instruction at the state's private and religious schools is equivalent to that of its public schools, following years of complaints that some ultra-Orthodox Jewish schools were not meeting basic academic standards.
Hard-hit by COVID, Israel’s ultra-Orthodox slow to get shots
By Tia Goldenberg — December 28, 2021
BNEI BRAK, Israel (AP) — The group has some of the lowest vaccination rates in the country despite being pummeled by the virus throughout the pandemic.
‘Anti-feminist’ vandals in Israel deface images of women
By Laurie Kellman — October 1, 2021
JERUSALEM (AP) — The joyful glint in Peggy Parnass’ eyes is so sharp it can be seen from the walls of Jerusalem’s bustling Old City. Posted across the street at the gateway to City Hall, twin images of the Holocaust survivor and activist gaze out at the ancient warren of holy monuments of Christianity, Judaism […]
Women’s group brings Torahs to Western Wall, faces backlash from conservatives
By Michele Chabin — October 30, 2019
JERUSALEM (RNS) — Several hundred schoolchildren, seminary students and adults gathered at the Western Wall to protest Women of the Wall members who brought Torah scrolls to pray with in the women's section.
Questioning real-world learning at ultra-Orthodox schools
By Karen Matthews — July 22, 2018
NEW YORK (AP) — Complaints that some schools run by the city's strictly observant Hasidic Jews barely teach English, math, science or social studies have fueled a movement to demand stricter oversight by state and local educational authorities.
Ancient beard traditions shape the face of modern Jerusalem
By Ian Deitch — February 16, 2018
JERUSALEM (AP) — Facial hair is trendy worldwide these days, but in Jerusalem beards have never gone out of style, projecting religious mysticism, nationalism and ideals of masculinity.
Critics decry Israeli cabinet vote rejecting measure to ease Jewish conversion
By Michele Chabin — July 6, 2015
JERUSALEM (RNS) Israeli rights activists say the decision by Israel's cabinet Sunday to nix the establishment of local conversion courts is a blow to religious freedom.
Q&A with pioneering Rabbi Miri Gold
By Lauren Markoe — October 25, 2012
WASHINGTON (RNS) Rabbi Miri Gold recently won a landmark case before Israel's Supreme Court that will make her the first non-Orthodox rabbi on the Jewish state's payroll. On her American victory tour, she talked about religious freedom, her belated bat mitzvah, and why she believes in the separation of church and state. By Lauren Markoe.
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