State and Religion Democracy and Judaism Jewish state
- Slides: 6
State and Religion Democracy and Judaism
Jewish state – what does it mean in terms of religion? • Mainstream Zionism: • National-secular - yet Jewish State. • Inherent contradiction between "Jewish“ and "Democracy"? Non separation between state and religion.
Non separation between state and religion. • Religious bodies for official functions • Religious law in specific areas – Marriage/Divorce Burials • Religious educational system makes part of public education • State finances religious matters • Public observance of Sabbath and dietary rules (Kashrut).
Origins and Legal dimensions • The Status Quo agreement 1947 • The exclusive status of Orthodox Judaism • The Supreme Rabbinate Sephardic-Ashkenazi • Religious courts for civilian and religious matters • Non-Civic jurisdiction over matrimony • Role and composition of the Supreme Court
Compromise and Ambiguity • 1948 Declaration of Independence "placing our trust in the 'Rock of Israel' • Status of Halacha • The absence of constitution • 1958 the Rufeisen case • ->"who is a Jew“ – by nation or religion? • ->1962 Supreme Court verdict against Rufeisen • 1969 Shalit case • ->1970 Ammendment to Law of Return • 1980 Law on the Foundations – "Israel heritage" • Russian and Ethiopian Olim
Political dimensions • Religious political parties – Role and split • Post 1967 • Growth and impact of religious fundamentalism • The status of the Holy Places in Jerusalem – liberalism versus security. • Struggle over general duty of military service • Growing hold of Orthodox education
