A World Within a World

Today was the first full day of the seminar. The theme was "A World Within a World." We're going to spend the next few days studying the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. There are those who believe that the internal conflicts within Israel and their ramifications may be a bigger problem than outside threats. The relationship between the Haredi and the secular and Modern Orthodox communities are one of the big concerns these days. The average Jewish birthrate is much lower than the Arab Israeli (within '67 borders) birthrate except in the Haredi population. In 1980, they were 6% of Israeli population and it is estimated that by 2012, they will be at 30%. The Haredi are a minority and like many minority populations, they feel they need to protect themselves and they do not see themselves as part of the collective. They believe that the biggest threat is assimilation which is why it is so important for them to keep separate. There is even a separate educational system for them and since they do not stress academics, even if some of the kids want to leave the community, they do not have the training for universities. On the other hand, as they become a bigger part of the population, many "neo-Haredi" or "bridge populations" develop. There are various views on what this will do to the country. (Never thought I'd think of Shas as left wing!).

We learned about the different sects of Haredi, studied some applicable sections from the Babylonian Talmud, and a text from the leader of Hungarian Orthodoxy in 1802. We then heard from someone who is originally Conservative from Chicago who has now become part of the Haredi community. We are all trying very hard to listen with open minds, but it is very difficult – especially since they don't listen to us with open minds. The nice thing about doing this with the Melton program is that the curriculum is well thought out and no one here is trying to convince us to change our behavior. It is a safe place to actually ask questions and explore the issues.

It was intriguing and enraging at the same time.

We then had a field trip to Mea Shearim (the original Haredi neighborhood). It was intriguing and enraging at the same time. After a summary session, we were on our own. Several of us chose to walk back to the hotel via Emek Rafaim (a favorite shopping street). Since we had a huge lunch, we were not hungry, so we went to Ben & Jerry's for "dinner." Only in Jerusalem does Ben & Jerry's have halvah/nut ice cream which was wonderful. Got back to the hotel and decided I had to pay for my ice cream by working out. Up to my room for a quick shower and while eating my apple (thanks to Marty for putting it in my carry-on bag) for desert, I was able to watch the 4^th quarter of the Celtics/Pistons game.