Rabbi Ashknazi's Teachings on Oslo, Temple Mount, and Haredi Disengagement Revealed in New Book
A new book titled 'Hebrew Revolution. Manitou Without Filters' compiles recent interviews and teachings of Rabbi Yehuda Leon Ashkenazi, known as Manitou, focusing on his views on critical Israeli issues. Compiled by Spi Glatzer, head of the Beit Midrash 'The Great Spirit,' the book highlights Manitou's prescient warnings about the Oslo Accords, which he believed would lead to catastrophe, a sentiment amplified by the events of October 7th. Manitou did not spare criticism towards the Shas party and even Rabbi Ovadia Yosef for their role in advancing the accords, and also criticized Religious Zionist rabbis for not opposing them more forcefully.
Glatzer explains that Manitou advocated for non-violent civil disobedience, drawing a parallel to the Kaplan protests, as a fitting response to the perceived dangers of the Oslo Accords. While Manitou did not directly address draft refusal as a protest tactic, Glatzer notes his belief that a "state-oriented" approach was a fatal error, influenced by Western humanism. Manitou also supported ascending the Temple Mount, suggesting it be done via the Ashפות (dung gate) and through engaging with its "dung" aspects, though he himself never ascended.
The book also details Manitou's sharp critique of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community's separatism. Glatzer characterizes Manitou's views as rational and insightful, acknowledging the Haredi community's historical role during the diaspora but arguing that this isolation is inappropriate in the Land of Israel. Manitou likened Haredi disengagement from Zionism to the early Christians' separation from the Jewish people and collaboration with the Romans, not for theological reasons but for their political stance. He viewed the establishment of Agudat Yisrael as a rejection of Zionism and a refusal to contribute to the nation's security and economy.
Glatzer suggests that Manitou's critiques, though sharp, were contextualized by the turbulent period between the evacuation of Yamit and the Oslo Accords. He notes that some within the Haredi community have expressed agreement with Manitou's assessments, finding them to be a softened reflection of reality. Glatzer also touches upon Manitou's differing stance from Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook, whom he respected, explaining it as a desire to uphold the authority of the Chief Rabbinate.
