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/DivorceBurials

• 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