Haredim and the Study of Haredim in Israel: Reflections on a Recent Conference

Publication Date: January 2008

Publisher: Association for Jewish Studies; Association for Jewish Studies

Author(s): Kimmy Caplan; Nurit Stadler; Kimmy Caplan; Nurit Stadler

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Orthodox Judaism; Academic Research; Religious Denominations; Meeting

Type: Report

Abstract:

The author discusses trends in the academic study of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Judaism in Israel, as evidenced by a November 2007 conference at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. The author outlines the history of academic scholarship regarding Haredi Jews, and identifies three new promising themes in the field: the centrality of gender and the role of women as agents of change; the importance of newly affiliated and "converted" groups and their fusion into Haredi society; and changing relationships toward the state, citizenship and civil society.