Israel – According to a report in the ultra-Orthodox weekly HaMishpacha President Shimon Peres has decided it is time for reconciliation between secular and religious Israelis and the path starts with the secular.
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He made the comments to Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau and Migdal Haemek Rabbi Yitzhak David Grossman several weeks ago.
“I totally reject the scorn (displayed) toward the religious and ultra-Orthodox Jew, whether he wears a capote (a long, black jacket) or a four-fringed garment. There is no place for condescension, derision or mockery. Such behavior heightens the barriers between us,” Peres said.
“The secular public must stop treating the ultra-Orthodox community with contempt,” he continued indicating part of the path to respecting the religious is to “return to our roots.” [israelinfonet]
“There is no dispute that Israeli youth must learn the Torah. You cannot be an Israeli without being Jewish. Why should we give up the great treasure of Jewish literature? What have our Jewish fathers left us? Neither houses nor pyramids. What is the people of the book? A nation that has books, so why shouldn’t this people study them?” Peres said.
Though he is an advent secularist Peres has an appreciation for Torah learning and the traditions of his people.
Anonymous said…
1:49 learn the “kuntres da’as torah” at the end of Reb Elchonon Wasserman z”l’s sefer Ikvisa dimishicha. It’s in all subsequent prints but not the first one.
April 17, 2008 4:26 PM
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This blog site is not your local shteeble. If you have something to say or write then do so. Dont tell us where to look. If you have a thought write it down . If you feel you want to use that persons name at the the end then do so.
1:49 learn the “kuntres da’as torah” at the end of Reb Elchonon Wasserman z”l’s sefer Ikvisa dimishicha. It’s in all subsequent prints but not the first one.
Its a two way street here people.
The frum oilam acts the same way towards the secular , so how can you expect any better from them?