In recent years, a fundamental change has been taking place in the image of the state, which this week marks its seventy-eighth anniversary. Judaism is becoming more and more present in its conduct. Its leaders are no longer ashamed to mention the name of God. Observant Torah and mitzvot are increasingly occupying central roles.
The IDF sees the change to a more dominant degree. Prayers, tzitzits, sacred songs, and faith have become commonplace. This trend reflects the strengthening of Jewish affinity among young people and youth in general. Among musical artists, the approach to the values of faith, prayer, and connection to sources is also noticeable.
The upheaval caused by the terrible massacre on Simchat Torah two and a half years ago stirred the Jewish point in the hearts of many. Suddenly, Jewish existence demanded answers, and a search began for the meaning of being Jewish. All of this brought about a great spiritual awakening.
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The stifled voice
A change is also taking place in the media. It is no longer painted in one color, as it was in the past. The voice of believing Jews and lovers of the land, which was stifled for decades, is now heard at a high level, on a variety of channels.
Against this background, it is sad to see that public broadcasting, funded with all of our money, remains captive to an agenda that contradicts the values of the majority of the country's Jewish citizens (judging by the results of the recent elections), and does not even attempt to present a semblance of fairness and balance.
However, the main factor trying to drag the country in the opposite direction is the High Court of Justice. Since the High Court judges have allowed themselves to interfere in issues of values and worldviews, it is only natural that they try to promote their personal views. And since most of them hold radical-liberal worldviews, their rulings repeatedly outrage the traditional Jewish majority.
The High Court has repeatedly positioned itself as one authorized to decide on issues of value, even though it has never been authorized to do so. The slippery slope began decades ago, when the High Court ruled that the children of a non-Jewish mother and a Jewish father would be recognized as Jews (High Court of Justice Shalit). By a majority of five justices against four, they decided to give a different definition to the sacred concept of 'Jew'.
Loss of public trust
The interference in matters of religion and worldview has reached dimensions that have become intolerable among large sections of the public. Isn't that precisely what elections are for, and the people decide which worldview they wish to promote. Instead, a judicial dictatorship has been created here, invalidating laws and disregarding the will of the voter.
The highlight was the hasty hearing in the midst of the Holy Sabbath two weeks ago, on a petition regarding a demonstration by extreme left-wing organizations. The High Court of Justice desecrated the Sabbath, forced other authorities to desecrate the Sabbath, and even explained it on the grounds of 'pikuach nefesh' - which also demonstrates complete ignorance in understanding halachic concepts.
The High Court not only plundered Shabbat. It mainly plundered itself. It lost the remaining trust that people might have felt in it, and turned itself into a joke. It is only a matter of time before the transformation will also take place in the legal system.
We will continue to pray: "Our judges will return as at first." We will hope for complete redemption, the coming of the Messiah and the building of the Third Temple, and for the fulfillment of the prophecies, "For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples," and "and all nations shall flow to it.".
