Religious Tolerance in a Jewish State

R' Avraham Yeshaya Karelitz - The Chazon Ish (Wiki)

Religious tolerance. That is the key to survival in a democracy. As a democracy, Israel must adhere to that principle. And it does.  But what about the religious policies towards its Jewish population?

One of the complaints I keep hearing from the Charedi world is that the state of Israel is not a Halachic state. Which (among other reasons) is why they don’t support it. As an Orthodox Jew myself, one might expect that I too should have that attitude. After all if I lived in Israel and am guided by Halacha, wouldn’t it be best for me (and all other observant Jews) if Israeli law was based entirely on Halacha?

In theory, of course it would. But in fact such a state would be a disaster for a variety of reasons. I would be opposed to a government like that. The primary reason for that can be put in the form of a question: Whose Halacha? The Halachos that Chasidim follow? The Litvishe Yeshiva world? Religious Zionists? 

One would think we all follow the same Torah. In theory that is true. But the fact is that observance varies widely depending upon which segment of Orthodoxy one belongs to. It is not only about Hashkafa  (which is the main difference). It is about how Poskim of the various Hashkafos would rule. Which in some cases are diametrically opposite each other. 

The Halacha that comes to mind as an example of that is army service. Religious Zionist Poskim consider it a Mitzvah. Charedi Poskim consider it practically Shmad. 

For observant Jews then the only possible option is to see what the common denominator is for all observant jews and to mandate that as the law of the land. Leaving out all Halachic Psak that is not universal.

That would be great if all Israeli Jews were observant. But observant Jews are not the only ones living in Israel. If Halacha becomes the law of the land - even at the lowest common denominator - how will it affect the majority of Jews in Israel that are not fully observant but traditional? How will they  react? Will this bring them closer to full observance or will it push them further away?

We do not currently live in messianic times. As such Israel cannot afford to impose Halacha on its citizenry without a major rebellion. What it needs to do is find some sort of compromise that almost everyone can live with. I think that is what the original status quo arrangement was between the Charedi world led by the Chazon Ish and Israel's founding fathers. It ought too remain in place. There should be no pressure  to move the needle in either direction.

I have always maintained that Judaism is defined by the Torah.That is the document that tells us how to be Jews. Everything else (such as culture) is secondary at best and not definitive in any case. Judaism without the Torah is like a car without a motor. No matter how great it looks, it is not a car. 

That being said, alienating non observant Israelis by shoving religion down their throat will not work. As noted, most Israelis are traditional. Meaning they care about their Judaism and do observe some things. Like keeping Kosher, Making Kiddush on Friday night (even if they are not fully observant of Shabbos), fasting on Yom Kippur, and having a traditional Pesach Seder. Forcing them to do more may cause them to do even less! 

If I understand correctly those that observe nothing and are perhaps even anti religions are less than 10% of the population. I doubt that most of that 10% can be convinced out of their antipathy. But for the other 90% - they have warm feelings for their religion. 

Kol Yisroel Areivim Zeh Bazeh. Those of us that care about the spiritual well being of our fellow Jew need to show them the beauty of observance. Which is best accomplished by example. That means respecting them for who they are now. And not seeing them as lacking. Seeing their situation as a glass half full. And then building upon that.

This is why maintaining the status quo is so important. Do not rock the boat. The state of Israel must respect Halacha and respect all Hashkafos. At this point in time, turning Israel into a fully Halachic state - even at the lowest common denominator with respect to its observant populace - would in my view be a disaster.  

I think the leader of Charedi Jewry in Israel during the early 20^th century - the Chazon Ish - recognized that in his time. Which is why he sought and agreed to a status quo arrangement.. We ought to recognize that now, follow his example, and not try to change things. For the time being it is enough that the needs of observant Jews be respected and protected by the state of Isreal. That should be our goal. For now. Until Beas Goel Tzedek.

Just some of my quick thoughts.