Top Rabbi Addresses Concerns of Working Haredim Ahead of Election
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch addressed concerns of working Haredim, urging them to vote for the "Gimmel" slate due to perceived religious persecution and political underrepresentation. He discussed educational challenges, the need for stronger ties between leaders and the working public, and criticized alternative educational frameworks. The Rabbi also called for improved Haredi political representation and stressed the importance of fathers maintaining religious observance and respect for Torah scholars.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch urged a vote for the "Gimmel" slate, citing a "war of religion" against the Haredi community.
- He addressed concerns about educational frameworks for children of working Haredi parents.
- Rabbi Hirsch countered claims of distance between religious leaders and the working Haredi public.
- He criticized alternative educational frameworks, suggesting they may have ulterior motives.
- The Rabbi acknowledged criticism of Haredi political representation and called for improvements.
- He stressed the importance of fathers maintaining Torah study and respect for scholars.
Ahead of the 26th Knesset elections, Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, a leading Rosh Yeshiva (head of a religious seminary), addressed pressing questions from the working Haredi public who are not full-time Torah scholars. He discussed issues including educational frameworks for children of working parents, trust in Knesset members, and feelings of distance from prominent rabbis. Rabbi Hirsch urged a vote for the "Gimmel" (ג׳) slate, citing a "war of religion" against the Haredi community, which he believes necessitates strong political representation. He argued that current government policies hinder the independent education system, limiting its ability to provide desired schooling options and potentially diminishing its sanctity. He also mentioned the threat posed by Reform Judaism's influence in Israel.
Addressing the perceived distance from religious leadership, Rabbi Hirsch stated that efforts are continuously made throughout the year to engage and connect with working individuals, countering the notion that they are only remembered before elections. He affirmed that he and other leading rabbis are willing to visit and speak in more modern Haredi communities. Regarding educational needs, he acknowledged that a lack of funding within the independent education system prevents it from fully meeting the demand for frameworks that combine religious studies with secular subjects at a high level. He expressed concern that alternative educational frameworks, while sometimes appearing to offer superior religious observance, might have ulterior motives to assimilate the Haredi community into a broader, less religiously stringent national identity.
Rabbi Hirsch also addressed criticism regarding the effectiveness of Haredi political representation, particularly in light of issues like conscription and arrests of yeshiva students. He expressed hope that new, younger representatives, with closer ties to leading rabbis, will improve outcomes and prevent past shortcomings. He emphasized the importance of fathers maintaining a connection to Torah study and showing respect for scholars to instill these values in their children, drawing a parallel to the strong connection between working individuals and Torah scholars in America. The conversation concluded with Rabbi Hirsch reiterating his call to vote for the "Gimmel" slate.
