What is chardal? It is a shortened form of Haredi Dati Leumi - and I fall right into that catagory. My husband and I are machmir (or trying to be) when it comes to mitzvot but have a tzioni 'bent' to us - even if the actions of the Israeli government when it comes to the religious occasionally leaves a lot to be desired.
We believe Israel is a great place and are very happy it was created. We are also saddened that it is a place where crime, prostitution and murder take place like in every country as it is supposed to be a holy land. However we are realistic and believe the true redemption will only occur with Moshiach and DON'T believe in coercing people to do/keep things they naturally would not (unless they happen to live in a religious neighbourhood!).
I get inspired by stories of the '48 war where things were black and white and think I am probably a gilgul (reincarnation) of someone who died fighting. I stand quietly and recite Tehillim during the siren on Yom Hazikaron and get very angry at those who carry on regardless.
If my son serves in the army, although I would be scared for him and hope he wouldn't get put in the front line, I would be proud of him and support him in every way as defending this land and this people is the most important thing. I plan to raise him so the less kosher elements of the army either do not affect him or affect him in a minor way.
We understand and support those people who learn Torah all day and thus hold up the world. We don't believe all people learning Torah are so great at it that it justifies poverty. However those who can't should support those who can.
I'll probably return to this theme again too.
2 comments:
I like your analysis of Chardal....what do you think the main differences are between Chardal and Dati Leumi Torani? I reckon the gap between them is small (even bridgeable??) but the terms reflect which the side of the fence one ultimately sits...either the Charedi side or the Dati Leumi side.
I think it's about the way they react to the State of Israel - i.e. chardal might serve because they feel they have to as opposed to DLT who may feel it's more of a nationalist thing. Chardal are more likely to send their kids to chareidi schools and wear black and white! I think the DL that live over the Green Line are more similar to Charedi on the Israel side in terms of how machmir they are - other DLT communities tend to be less stringent (as a terrible generalisation!)
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