The Rule of Law

Below is a link to a letter written by the Rebbe of Slonim:

http://my.ynet.co.il/pic/judisem/1.PDF

The Rebbe of Slonim is reacting to the recent Israeli Supreme Court ruling regarding desegregation of a school in the town of Emanuel, Israel and the efforts taken to enforce the decision of the Court.

The Rebbe uses terms to describe the Court including "Sitra Achra" and calls the struggle something that he expected in the end of days.

Is his letter legitimate? Will this provoke violence?

The broader question that Israel must grapple with is that of the rule of law. There are vast segments of the population that consider the laws of the State to be secondary to their laws. in this case, Halacha.

Is the Admor of Slonim really promulgating a letter based on a legitimate Halachic ruling? Does this have to do more with power and politics than Halacha?

To add more to the mix, it seems evident that over the years, the Israeli Supreme Court has been insensitive to observant Jews, particularly to Charedei Jews. Was their ruling another poke in the eye?

Is there discrimination by Ashkenazi Charedeim towards Edot Mizrach? Yes there is. I can attest to that from first hand conversations that I have had with Ashkenazi Chareideim. So, why hasn't Shas come out forcefully in support of the Israeli Supreme Court ruling?

Where is the "rule of law" in all of this? The idea that everyone is the same under the law. Well, that's an American concept and ideal. While Israel has made great strides towards that ideal, when it comes to religion, law and politics, the concept of the "rule of law" takes a back seat.

For many American Jews who think that the democratic process and religion can coexist, incidents like this and pronouncements against the rule of law like those made by the Rebbe of Slonim make us feel uncomfortable. Can democracy, the "rule of law" and Halacha really coexist?

Confused? Welcome to Ben Hashmashot.

Love to hear your thoughts.



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