Israeli Haredi Community Faces Criticism Over Public Conduct and Environmental Responsibility During Bein Hazmanim
During the Bein Hazmanim period, many members of Israel's Haredi community flock to parks, springs, and nature sites across the country. Eli Guthelf hosted a special edition of the "Davar Rishon" program on Kikar HaShabbat, filling in for Moshe Mens, addressing sensitive issues such as environmental preservation, respectful behavior, and public image within the Haredi sector.
Tomer Eshel, CEO of the "Naki" (Clean) Association, joined from his reserve post on the northern border to discuss the widespread problem of littering in natural areas. He emphasized that all sectors tend to neglect environmental rules when outdoors and urged everyone to remember that nature is a shared home. Eshel provided practical tips for visitors, including assigning a family member as "cleanliness manager," proper disposal of cigarette butts to prevent fires, fully extinguishing grills with water before disposal, and avoiding leaving large trash bags near small bins to prevent wildlife from scattering garbage.
In a poignant personal monologue, Eli Guthelf reflected on recent incidents of violence and desecration of sanctity, such as the attack on Rabbi Faivelzon. He rejected the notion that these are isolated incidents or solely media exaggerations, stressing communal responsibility. Citing Rabbi Dessler's description of Torah scholars as the "heart of the Jewish people," Guthelf warned that even minor lapses in character and respect poison the entire nation. He noted that the broader public craves faith and truth, and inappropriate behavior leads to disappointment and hatred. His message urged the community to self-examine whether their actions inspire love for Torah or alienate others.
The program concluded with a halachic segment featuring Rabbi Asaf Ratzon discussing the Talmudic tractate Chullin (page 89) and the prohibition of the sciatic nerve (gid hanasheh). The discussion explored whether this prohibition applies to humans, given anatomical differences and the biblical origin of the law with Jacob. Opinions vary: Rashba holds that human flesh is not biblically forbidden and thus the sciatic nerve prohibition applies, while Maimonides rules human flesh is biblically forbidden, making the sciatic nerve law inapplicable. Practically, the halachic decisor Pri Megadim sides with Rashba. The implication is that eating human flesh violates a positive commandment, but eating the sciatic nerve of a human violates a negative commandment, which disqualifies one from serving as a witness.
This program highlighted the intersection of environmental ethics, communal conduct, and halachic inquiry during a pivotal vacation period for the Haredi community.
