Likud MKs, Central Committee, Ulpana Hill Residents, in Pushback Against Court, AG, Barak

Posted on: April 23rd, 2012

Israel's Supreme Court and the Attorney General are showing a kind of zeal one normally attributes to religious fanatics. Rather than pursuing a pragmatic, financial compensation to the claimant, as is normal in similar civil cases, both the high court and the AG appear hell bent on getting Justice. The Likud rank and file are preparing to do war with these two enemies of Israel's democracy.

Conservatives to Ordain Gay and Lesbian Rabbis in Israel

Posted on: April 19th, 2012

The Board of Trustees of the Schechter Rabbinical Seminary voted to accept gay and lesbian students for ordination. “The Schechter Rabbinical Seminary views the serious process leading to this decision as an example of confronting social dilemmas within the framework of tradition and halachah,” Board of Trustees Chair Hanan Alexander said in a statement.

A Decade after Demise of his Alternative Station, MK Katz Alters Broadcasting Authority Law

Posted on: March 5th, 2012

The Knesset Economic Committee held a heated discussion Monday over the composition of incoming Broadcasting Authority Supervisory Council. MK Jacob Katz argued that the previous text perpetuated a distortion which was causing large communities to feel alienated and segregated from public broadcasting. Ten years ago, Katz's own "Pirate" alternative radio station was taken down in the spirit of that same old law.

Haredim Close Ranks to Fight IDF Conscription

Posted on: February 28th, 2012

Many of the participants in an emergency conference last night were adamant on the need to “give up our lives” over the preservation of Torah study, in face of a growing public push for Haredi military service. In the Israeli marketplace of ideas, two views competed this morning: "Don't push them too fast, or you'll get nothing but conflict" – versus "It's time for everybody to carry their fair share of the load." Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman was on the money when he accused retired Supreme Court President Beinisch of committing a hit-and-run…

Livni Stakes Political Future on Yeshiva Students’ IDF Service

Posted on: February 26th, 2012

The first Israeli pol to be taking a ride on the back of the Supreme Court's decision to kill the Tal Law is stating her motivation bluntly: "I'm sick and tired of hearing that it's impossible to implement the law, because the Haredim or the Arabs don't want to join." Being sick and tired can be a recipe for political success in Israel – provided you don't face a field of multiple opponents who are all equally disgruntled.

Chief Military Rabbi: Religious Soldiers Do Not Have to Hear Female Singers at IDF Events

Posted on: February 23rd, 2012

On the heels of the Supreme Court's annulment of the Tal Law, and following weeks of harsh debates over the coerced participation of religious soldiers in IDF sponsored concerts with women singers, the IDF Chief Rabbi admitted Thursday that despite his liberal ruling on the matter, soldiers should be allowed to avoid entertainment they find religiously problematic.

Report: Armored Brigade Commander Prevented Military Rabbi from Speaking at Official Ceremony

Posted on: February 22nd, 2012

The website kipa.co.il reports that Col. Lior Hochman, Commander of the 460 Armored Corps Brigade, prohibited the brigade rabbi from speaking at a military ceremony held Wednesday, in the presence of soldiers, officers, and their families. Brigade Chaplain Captain Rabbi Zev Runes had participated in rehearsals for the ceremony and was expected to speak about [...]

Knesset Debates Haredi Service After Tal Law Annulled

Posted on: February 22nd, 2012

The Knesset has quickly assumed a proactive role in filling the void left by the the Israeli High Court's decision to annul the Tal Law. Two bills pertaining to mandatory service were already debated and voted upon today, Opposition chairwoman Tzipi Livni continued to blast the low enlistment rate of the Haredi population, and FM Avigdor Lieberman pledged to propose more legislation on the matter in the future.

Journalist: Secular Fear of Haredim Drove Court’s Rule on Service Deferments

Posted on: February 22nd, 2012

Journalist and radio host Israel Gelis offers the Haredi point of view on the Supreme Court's decision to kill the Tal Law, which served as a moderate avenue for Haredim to join modern Israeli society, while holding on to their unique values.

Tzohar Rabbis Recall the Breaking of a Heifer’s Neck, Atoning for a Disturbing Death

Posted on: February 17th, 2012

Tzohar Chairman Rabbi David Stav arrived Thursday morning with a minyan of Rabbis near the entrance to Kibbutz HaZore'a, where they conducted a prayer, calling on everyone to take greater care when driving, and protesting the deep moral offense of a hit-and-run driver who left a young female soldier for dead.