6/1(Sun) Haredi

#Haredi

#UltraOrthodoxJewish

Haredi (also spelled Charedi or Chareidi, from Hebrew: חֲרֵדִי‎) refers to members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community who strictly observe Jewish law (Halakha) and often seek to separate themselves from modern secular society.

Meaning of the Term

• “Haredi” comes from the Hebrew root ḥ-r-d (חרד), meaning “one who trembles” — in this context, someone who trembles before God.

• The term implies deep religious devotion and humility before divine commandments.

Core Characteristics

Aspect Description

Religious Practice Strict adherence to Torah, Talmud, and Halakha; observance of all Jewish laws and customs.

Dress Distinctive traditional dress (e.g. black hats, long coats for men; modest clothing and wigs or head coverings for women).

Education Boys usually attend yeshivas; emphasis on Torah study. Secular education often limited or avoided, especially for boys.

Gender Roles Clear gender roles: men focus on religious study; women often work to support the family. Gender separation is common.

Technology and Media Limited use; many avoid internet, television, and smartphones. Some accept filtered or kosher versions.

Zionism Views vary. Some Haredim are non-Zionist or anti-Zionist, believing a Jewish state should not exist until the Messiah comes; others (e.g., Agudat Yisrael, Shas) participate in Israeli politics.

Subgroups Within Haredi Judaism

Group Description

Hasidim Mystically oriented; follow a Rebbe (spiritual leader); major groups include Satmar, Belz, Ger, Vizhnitz, Breslov.

Lithuanian/Yeshivish More rationalist; centered on Talmudic scholarship; often from Eastern European traditions.

Sephardic Haredim Include many from Middle Eastern and North African descent (e.g., followers of Rav Ovadia Yosef and the Shas party).

Where Do Haredim Live?

Israel: Especially in Jerusalem (e.g., Mea Shearim), Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, and parts of Elad and Modi’in Illit.

United States: Borough Park and Williamsburg (Brooklyn), Lakewood (NJ), Monsey (NY).

UK: Stamford Hill (London).

Also communities in Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and beyond.

Social and Political Dynamics

• Population Growth: High birth rate; Haredim are a growing percentage of the Jewish and Israeli population.

• Controversies in Israel: Debates over military draft exemptions, state subsidies, education standards, and integration into the workforce.

• Internal Diversity: Not all Haredim are insular — some are more modern, work in tech or business, and engage with broader society.

Would you like to explore:

• Haredi attitudes toward Zionism or the State of Israel?

• The difference between Haredi and Modern Orthodox Judaism?

• The history of Hasidism or Lithuanian Yeshiva culture?