Feiglin Clarifies Stance on Shabbat Observance, Emphasizing Choice Over Coercion
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut Party, stated that state institutions should uphold Israel's Jewish character but opposes coercive laws for Shabbat observance, advocating for local community decision-making instead. He criticized past legislation for causing division and believes Shabbat and Judaism are founded on choice and mutual respect, not political populism. The party aims to preserve Jewish identity and foster public trust.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Moshe Feiglin opposes coercive laws for Shabbat observance, advocating for community choice.
- Feiglin believes state institutions should uphold Israel's Jewish character.
- He criticized past legislation for causing division and harming tradition.
- Feiglin stated Shabbat and Judaism are based on choice, not political populism.
- Decisions on local public spaces should be made by residents and communities.
Moshe Feiglin, chairman of the Zehut Party, stated that state institutions should uphold the Jewish character of Israel but opposed coercive legislation regarding Shabbat observance. He believes decisions concerning local public spaces should be delegated to residents and communities.
Feiglin's remarks, made in an interview with the newspaper "Olam Katan," followed his declaration that he would oppose a bill to ban public transportation on Shabbat.
The Zehut Party explained that a distinction must be made between state institutions, which are expected to maintain a Jewish character, and local public spaces, where decisions should be made by the residents themselves. Feiglin criticized legislative attempts to enforce Shabbat observance, arguing that "for thirty years, barren coercive laws have not brought anyone closer to Shabbat, but on the contrary: they have ignited unnecessary disputes and invited legal rulings that harmed tradition."
He asserted that "Shabbat and Judaism are based on choice, connection, and mutual respect, not on political populism." Feiglin added that "questions concerning the local community space should be returned to the residents and communities themselves, without turning the sanctities of Israel into a tool for infighting within the nation."
The Zehut Party emphasized that alongside their opposition to coercive laws, they aim to preserve the country's Jewish identity and strengthen trust among different segments of the public.
