Secular Israeli Finds Meaning and Belonging in Religious Zionist Movement
Matan Hassidim, who grew up in a secular household in Modi'in, has embarked on a spiritual journey that led him to the world of Torah study. In an interview with Dr. Hannah Katan, Hassidim expressed discomfort with the term "baal teshuva" (one who returns to religious observance), explaining that his secular background remains an integral part of his identity. He believes his upbringing in a liberal, affluent society, while fostering self-fulfillment, lacked fundamental concepts like "covenant" and commitment, which he found in Jewish tradition.
Hassidim attributes a turning point in his life to his military service, where he encountered individuals from religious pre-military academies. This exposure, rather than the service itself, introduced him to a world he hadn't known. After his discharge, instead of a planned trip abroad, he worked as an instructor at a mixed-gender pre-military academy in Hazeva, in the Arava desert. There, he encountered prayer, the Bible, and the Torah, realizing a profound depth missing from his previous worldview.
He prefers the term "dialogue" with God over "divine providence," seeing life events as opportunities for this ongoing conversation. Hassidim views his return to religious observance not as a transition from questions to answers, but as an entry into a realm with more profound questions. He found a welcoming home within the Religious Zionist movement, which he credits with allowing him to integrate his past identity with his present faith without erasure.
Hassidim's current focus is on bridging Jewish thought, philosophy, psychology, and Western intellectual traditions, seeking a "Jewish alternative" to the crises of Western culture. He advocates for discerning the valuable aspects of Western thought while integrating them into a Jewish framework, likening Judaism's ability to absorb and flourish diverse influences to planting seeds in its own garden.
While acknowledging the foundational importance of Torah, Hassidim believes engaging with contemporary ideas helps reformulate Judaism's message for the 21st century. He sees himself as continuing the work of thinkers like Rabbi Kook and Rabbi Ashlag, emphasizing the need for one's "feet to be deeply rooted in Torah, but the head must also listen to what is happening in the world." Ultimately, he stresses that intellectual pursuits should deepen the simple connection between an individual and God, fostering a personhood that is the most important question for the current generation.
