The End of an Era: The End of Government Sponsored Kollels

No more government funded kollels in Israel!

From Haaretz

Yes, it still early and the Knesset might shoot it down but this makes me very happy.

Now for some pessimism:

If this really happens and the kollel system in Israel collapses then there might be huge changes in the Chareidi community in Israel. My only worry is that this might end the important divide between Chareidim and normal Datiim (religious). I kind of like the way things stand where Charedim are on a different planet than the rest of Israel's Jewry. If this change happens the Chareidim will probably after a while start to look like the rather more moderate American Chareidim and the line between insanity and sanity will begin to blur a bit. The problem with American Chareidim is that they have enough legitimacy to become the leaders of otherwise normal people. Only in America will normal television owning, internet using, literature reading people allow themselves to be led by black hat Rabbis who are at war with modernity. If Israeli Chareidim incorporate into normal society to a certain extent, then this might happen in Israel also. Also if Israeli Chareidim become part of the workforce they might have a larger influence on the government. (They have way too much already!!!) We'll just have to sit back and hope for the best. It's about time that this disgusting mooching off of the government ended and even if there may be some bad consequences this had to be done.

More from:

Failed Messiah


Some thoughts about this exciting new development from:

Emes V'emuna

(Oh btw does anyone like my new Blog format)