As Israel approaches its upcoming elections, a critical debate is emerging over the country’s identity and the role of Judaism within it. Central to this discourse is the question of who holds authority over Judaism in Israeli society, a topic that has gained renewed urgency amid ongoing discussions about the integration of the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community into military service and broader civic life.
The current political landscape in Israel has increasingly linked Judaism with religious Orthodoxy, particularly under the influence of the rabbinical establishment and haredi political parties. This alignment has contributed to the perception that ultra-Orthodox leaders are the primary custodians of Jewish tradition and values, a belief that underpins demands for exemptions from mandatory military service and significant public funding to support haredi lifestyles. Critics argue that these privileges create social divisions and contribute to a growing burden on the state.
Recent conflicts have intensified calls to incorporate more haredim into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and workforce, viewing this integration as vital not only for security but also for social cohesion. The current control exercised by haredi authorities over religious services—including kashrut certification, the Chief Rabbinate, religious councils, and matters of marriage and divorce—has been described as a form of political patronage that reinforces societal segmentation and alienates many Israelis from Judaism itself.
At the same time, a parallel trend is occurring outside the official religious framework. A vibrant and diverse form of Israeli Judaism—expressed through cultural, communal, and traditional practices—continues to flourish independently of the institutional religious establishment. This broader expression of Jewish identity challenges the notion that Judaism is the exclusive domain of religious authorities or any single political faction.
Advocates for change argue that the next government faces the significant task of dismantling the ideological monopoly that grants one sector exclusive control over Judaism and justifies special privileges. Proposals include introducing competition in religious services, recognizing alternative rabbinical authorities such as the Tzohar organization, reforming the rabbinate and religious councils to function as service-oriented institutions rather than political entities, and empowering local communities and women with greater influence in religious affairs.
The debate underscores deep questions about Israel’s future direction as a society marked by diverse identities and an imperative to integrate the haredi population more fully. For some, redefining Judaism as a collective cultural and civic heritage rather than the preserve of a specific religious elite is essential to fostering unity and inclusivity in Israeli life.
The writer of these views is a member of the Yisrael Beytenu party list, emphasizing this issue as among the foremost challenges facing the next Knesset.