The hostile attitude of parts of the media and politics towards Haredi Jews has created a generalized image of them that has penetrated deeply into the public consciousness. In almost every argument with a Haredi Jew, they will be told: 'Go to work!'.
Because an ultra-Orthodox Jew clearly does not work but rather constitutes a burden on the public.
The reality, of course, is different. According to official data, the rate of full-time employment for ultra-Orthodox men is 60.71% of the total. Indeed, this is a low rate compared to non-ultra-Orthodox men, whose full-time employment rate is 871% of the total, and yet this is still the absolute majority of working people.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
The simple meaning of these dry figures is that when you look at a picture of the Haredi public, six out of every ten in the picture are full-time workers. It is therefore clear how wrong it is to generally refer to this public as 'not working.'.
An ancient and fascinating discussion
Since the dawn of the history of the Jewish people, there has been a fascinating debate about the proper relationship between work and livelihood and Torah study. Already in ancient times, the ancient agreement was made between 'Issachar' and 'Zebulun' - 'Issachar' deals with Torah and 'Zebulun' deals with livelihood and supports Torah students, thereby earning the right to share in their Torah.
Someone who does not understand the importance of Torah study naturally does not see the positive side of this reciprocal relationship. He only sees not going to work. But he also understands the justification for supporting writers, artists, athletes, and creators of all kinds, even in the absence of economic feasibility, because he knows how to appreciate the importance of this culture.
Well, the Torah is the culture of the Jewish people, and a large public believes that it is very important to cultivate it and allow people to devote themselves to its study.
What is the right relationship between learners and workers – this is an important debate, and it is ongoing. It is a fact that the rate of employment in the Haredi sector is increasing over the years. But this debate should be conducted with respect, from an understanding of the world of Jewish values, and not by hurling insults and derogatory expressions.
Part of this system of values is based on a verse in this week's Torah portion. At the beginning of the portion, the law of impurity for a dead person is discussed, and the Torah says: "This is the Torah, for a person dies in a tent." It is stated in the Talmud (Tractate Shabbat Peg, 2): "The words of the Torah are not fulfilled except by one who dies for it.".
There is a demand here for a person to "kill" all worldly desires and devote himself completely to the Torah.
A life of modesty
The words of the Mishnah are well-known (Parkei Avot 6:4): "This is the way of the Torah – you shall eat bread with salt, and you shall drink water sparingly, and you shall sleep on the ground, and you shall live a life of sorrow, and in the Torah you shall labor. If you do so, blessed are you and it will be well with you.".
While in the Western world the aspiration is to earn a lot of money and live a life of comfort and well-being, Torah students set before their eyes a different scale of values.
Not everyone can meet this challenge. We live in a spoiled generation. The culture of consumption and luxury permeates everywhere. And yet it is worth remembering that there is also such a value – a simple life, of modesty and contentment with little, and placing spiritual values at the center. People who live this way deserve appreciation and admiration!
