Torah And Deception In The Land Of Israel

Last updated on: December 29, 2010 at 11:53 pm by Jeffrey L. Falick

Torah And Deception In The Land Of Israel 2010-12-29T23:53:00-05:00 Jeffrey L. Falick

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Yesterday’s New York Times had a piece about the problem of voluntary Haredi unemployment in Israel. There are currently 70,000 married men whom the government has classified as “Torah is their profession.” (The Times article incorrectly states that there are 60,000.) They are, therefore, exempt from army and supposedly studying in a kolel – a yeshivah for married men – all day long. This is a permanent student exemption from military service which precludes them from seeking work.

With more than 60% of adult Haredi males unemployed, it’s no surprise that 56% of all Haredi Jews live below the poverty line. What the article doesn’t tell us is that an enormous number of these kolelniks are also committing fraud.

In last weekend’s print edition of the Hebrew daily Yediot Ahronot there was an expose about the large number of them who work and receive payment under the table. This way they don’t have to give up their subsidies, the kolels still receive state-paid tuition, and no one has to serve in the army.

The newspaper took out help wanted ads in the Haredi community and received an overwhelming response. Yet almost none of the job seekers was willing to be paid legally. Instead they tried to work out ways to get paid through a family member or in cash.

In addition to the handouts and free tuition, they also receive substantial discounts on a very large number of taxes and services. According to the article, those who are cheating see no problem with it since the state is illegitimate in their eyes anyway.

There are signs of hope, but they are small compared to the size of the problem. If you really want to worry about Israel’s future, this is what should worry you.

Previous Post

December 29, 2010

A Non-Theistic Jewish Funeral

Next Post

December 31, 2010 Biblical Rape Laws Explained

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Blog Entries

Select a Month January 2017 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 March 2015 December 2014 February 2014 December 2013 October 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 September 2012 August 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which animal did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on, fulfilling prophecy?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Donkey Camel Horse Ox