Netanya Rabbi Challenges Haredi Draft Exemption, Advocates for Women in Rabbinate
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Yehuda Shloush of East Netanya has publicly criticized the Haredi draft exemption, advocating for shared national burden and justice. He also supports women in neighborhood rabbinates, a stronger Sephardic presence in Religious Zionism, and reforms in conversion and kashrut. Rabbi Shloush believes political appointments have corrupted the rabbinate and that the Sephardic tradition's inclusivity is vital for moderating Israeli society. He also stated that there is no halachic prohibition against a non-Jewish candidate running for the Knesset.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yehuda Shloush of East Netanya strongly opposes the Haredi draft exemption, calling it corrupt and unjust.
- He supports appointing women to neighborhood rabbinates and re-evaluating conversion and kashrut policies.
- Rabbi Shloush criticizes the lack of Sephardic representation and tradition within Religious Zionism.
- He believes political appointments have compromised the integrity of the rabbinate.
- Rabbi Shloush advocates for the inclusive and adaptable nature of Sephardic tradition to counter extremism.
- He stated there is no halachic prohibition against a non-Jewish candidate running for the Knesset.
Rabbi Yehuda Shloush, the spiritual leader of East Netanya, has strongly criticized the proposed legislation to exempt Haredi men from military service, calling it "the most corrupt law." In an interview with Dvir Amar for Channel 7, Rabbi Shloush argued that this exemption is fundamentally unjust, especially after three years of war where reservist families bear a heavy burden. He highlighted his own family's experience with his son suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other family members continuing reserve duty.
Rabbi Shloush also presented a series of progressive views, including support for appointing women to neighborhood rabbinates, re-examining conversion and kashrut policies, and advocating for increased representation of Sephardic tradition within Religious Zionism. He criticized the current Sephardic rabbinic leadership for not sufficiently promoting their heritage, which he described as historically open and adaptable. He also expressed support for ascending the Temple Mount.
His criticism extends to the rabbinic establishment, where he believes political considerations have overshadowed genuine religious qualifications in appointments, likening it to the corrupt practices of the Second Temple era. He specifically condemned the slogan "We will die rather than enlist," questioning the loyalty of rabbis who utter such phrases.
Furthermore, Rabbi Shloush called for a reevaluation of the Sephardic tradition's place in Religious Zionism, arguing that educational institutions and leadership remain predominantly Ashkenazi. He believes the Sephardic tradition's inherent inclusivity and emotional depth are needed to counter the extremism he observes in Israeli society, citing the polarized slogan "Either right or Palestine."
On other matters, Rabbi Shloush supports allowing women to take rabbinical exams for neighborhood rabbinates, criticizing the halt of these exams due to a few women seeking to participate. He also called for a reform in the kashrut system, deeming the current one a "big business" and advocating for a system based on credibility. He also addressed the complex issue of conversion, urging the rabbinate to find practical solutions for individuals in mixed-faith relationships and their children, rather than dismissing the problem. He also stated there is no halachic prohibition against a non-Jewish candidate running for the Knesset, referencing Rabbi Ben-Zion Meir Hai Uziel's views on women's suffrage.
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