Haredi Judaism: Encyclopedia II - Haredi Judaism - Practices and beliefs

Haredi Judaism - Practices and beliefs

Haredi Judaism - Views of halakha

One basic belief of the Orthodox community in general is that it is the latest link in a chain of Jewish continuity extending back to the giving of the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai. It believes that two guides to Jewish law were given to the Israelites at that time: the first, known as Torah she-bi-khtav, or the "Written Law" is the Tanakh (Jewish Bible) as we know it today; the second, known as Torah she-ba'al peh ("Oral Law"), is the exposition as relayed by the scholarly and other religious leaders of each generation. The traditional interpretation of the Oral Law is considered as the authoritative reading of the Written Law.

Jewish law, known as halakha, includes codes of behavior applicable to virtually every imaginable circumstance (and many hypothetical ones), which have been pored over and developed throughout the generations in a constantly expanding collection of religious literature. The earliest written compilation of halakha, the Talmud, is considered authoritative.

Halakha is a guide for everything the traditional Jew does from the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to sleep. It is a body of intricate laws, combined with the reasoning on how such conclusions are reached. Halakha incorporates as rules many practices that began as customs, some passed down over the centuries, and an assortment of ingrained behaviors. It is the subject of intense study in religious schools known as yeshivas.

Throughout history, halakha has addressed issues on the basis of circumstance and precedent. There have been some significant changes, including more formal education for women in the early twentieth century, and the application of halakha to modern technology. While Haredim have typically been more conservative than their Modern Orthodox counterparts regarding new practices and rulings on new applications of halakhic concepts, Orthodox Judaism views these types of innovations as consistent with traditionally expounded halakhic concepts. Haredi Orthodoxy's differences with Modern Orthodoxy usually lie in interpretation of the nature of traditional halakhic concepts and in understanding of what constitutes acceptable application of these concepts.

Modern inventions have been studied and incorporated into the ever-expanding halakha, accepted by both Haredi and other Orthodox communities. For instance, rulings guide the observant about the proper use of electricity and other technology on the Jewish Sabbath and holidays. Most major points are the subject of consensus, although fine points are the subject of a greater range of opinions. While discussions of halakha are common and encouraged, laypersons are not authorized to make final determinations as to the applicability of the law in any given situation; the proviso is: "Consult your local Orthodox rabbi or posek (rabbinical authority)."

Haredi Judaism - Lifestyle and family

Haredi life is fairly family-centered. Depending on various factors, both boys and girls attend school and proceed to higher Torah study, in a yeshiva or seminary ("sem") respectively, starting anywhere between the ages of 13 and 18. A significant proportion of students, especially boys, remain in yeshiva until marriage (typically through a shidduch, or facilitated dating), and many study in a kollel (Torah study institute for married men) - sometimes for many years. In many Haredi communities, higher secular education is discouraged, although some have educational facilities for vocational training or run professional programmes for men and women. Families tend to be large, reflecting adherence to the Torah commandment "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28, 9:1,7).

Many Haredi poskim (authorities in Jewish law) have spoken out against watching television or films, reading secular newspapers and using the Internet. Many feel that mobile phones should be programmed to disable internet and other functions that could negatively influence their users.

Haredi Judaism - Dress

Many members of the Haredi community still maintain styles of dress similar to those worn by their 18th and 19th century European ancestors. Many men have beards, most dress in dark suits, virtually all wear a kippah at all times and generally a wide-brimmed hat (typically black) during prayer and outside. Women adhere to strict interpretations of tzeniut (modesty, particularly in dress), and hence wear long skirts and armsleeves, high necklines and a form of head covering when married (scarves, snoods, hats, or wigs).

Hasidic men often follow the specific dress style of their group, which may include elegant frock coats (bekeshes), wide or high fur hats (shtreimels or spodiks) and generally a gartel (a long belt wrapped around the frock) during prayer.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Practices and beliefs", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki