Ask the Rabbi
- Family and Society
- The Nation of Israel
- General Questions
Question
Are Dati Leumi Jews considered Yeshiva/Litvish, Haredim, or Hassidic? Are there overlaps? How do you know? What does Yeshiva/Litvish mean and how does this group differ from other groups? Do they also follow Rabbi Kook? Thank you.
Answer
In general, I try to stay away from labels, especially when these terms can change from place to place. But for clarification sake, Dati-Leumi means religious-Zionist or "nationalist", and can and historically does have representatives in all streams of orthodoxy. Although the term "Haredi" means one who is in awe of God, and originally referred to all religious Jews, today, it is usually used regarding the Hassidic and Yeshivish/Litvish (=non-hassidic haredim), as well as the Sefaradic "Shas" element. The learned in these groups all admire and respect Rav Kook, yet generally don't study his writings, for the usual yeshiva curriculum is to learn just the Talmud, aside from the fact that Rav Kook's philosophy is very difficult to understand. In addition, Rav Kook's writings are innovative, something often feared in those conservative circles. The aforementioned haredim tend not to serve in the army, and generally see Judaism identically to what was practiced throughout the 2,000 year exile, as opposed to Rav Kook who calls to revive the original Torah as found in the Tanach: living as the Nation of Israel, in the Land of Israel, speaking the Holy Language and serving in the Israeli army. Today, there are more and more overlaps, especially among the "Hardal"= Haredi-Leumi, who often study chassidut, and dress just as modestly and learn as much Torah as the haredim.

Modern Sanhedrin
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 8 Tevet 5763

Forgiveness
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tishrei 17, 5786

Tzadidim particularly in Ukraine
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 26, 5779

Use of Y in "Yisrael" as opposed to "Israel"
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Nisan 18, 5780

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

How to manage to not listen Loshon Hara?
Adar I 23, 5771

Delaying aliya for career and studies
Adar II 25, 5771

Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771




