Rabbi Slams New Political Group Representing Haredi Workers
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Rabbi Neugershel has strongly criticized a new political group representing "working Haredim," stating it degrades the community and attempts to create a separate identity. He condemned their independent formation without consulting Torah leaders, inclusion of women, and views on Haredi conscription. The Rabbi emphasized the historical unity between working and learning Haredim within the broader Torah world.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Neugershel sharply criticized a new political group for "working Haredim," saying it degrades them.
- He argued the group seeks a separate identity by distancing from Torah leadership.
- Neugershel condemned the group's independent formation, inclusion of women, and conscription stances.
- He stressed the historical partnership between working and learning Haredim.
- The Rabbi questioned the need for political discourse, comparing it to pre-Yom Kippur persuasion.
Rabbi Neugershel has sharply criticized a new political initiative aiming to represent "working Haredim" (ultra-Orthodox Jews), asserting that it harms the very community it claims to serve. He stated that the group has "humiliated and degraded" working Haredim, whom he considers an integral part of Torah study and aligned with the "greats of Torah."
Neugershel, who identifies as a working Haredi himself, argued that this new political organization is attempting to create a separate identity for working Haredim by distancing themselves from Torah leadership and adopting positions contrary to the broader Haredi community. He specifically criticized the formation of an independent political framework without consulting Torah leaders, the inclusion of women on their list, and their stances on the conscription of Haredim.
According to the Rabbi, these actions create a false impression that working Haredim wish to detach themselves from the world of Torah and its spiritual guidance. He emphasized the historical partnership between those who work for a livelihood and Torah scholars, referring to working Haredim as "sons of Zebulun" who are as much "sons of Torah" as their learning counterparts. He stressed their desire to remain part of the "Torah ship" even when it faces challenges.
Neugershel also questioned the need for political discussions, comparing them to organizing large gatherings before Yom Kippur to persuade people to fast. He equated obeying the "greats of Torah" with religious commandments like reading the Megillah, blowing the Shofar, or taking a Lulav, stating that further explanation is unnecessary and a sign of weakness for those who require it.
Mentioned
