Levi Schwartz

When Did the Idea of Kollelim Start?

The concept of kollel is not a modern invention. It is the continuation of a sacred tradition stretching back to Har Sinai, when the Jewish people accepted the Torah with the immortal words: "נַעֲשֶׂה וְנִשְׁמָע" – “We will do and we will hear.” (שמות כד:ז, Shemos 24:7)

How Long Have Charedim Been Around?

Online, in the media, even in university classrooms, you’ll sometimes hear that “Charedim” are a new phenomenon—that they only arose in the 20th century, or were invented as a reaction to Zionism or secularism. But this is not just incorrect. It’s historically absurd.

Why Don’t Charedim Support Official State Recognition of Reform or Conservative Judaism?

To the modern observer, it may seem unfair—even intolerant—that Charedim oppose the official recognition of Reform or Conservative Judaism by the State of Israel. After all, aren't we all one people? Why not recognize all streams of Judaism equally?

Why Do Charedim Cover Their Heads with a Tallis When Davening?

To the outside observer, a man wrapped in a tallis over his head might appear concealed or distant. But to the Yerei Shamayim, it is just the opposite: it is the deepest closeness to Hashem, the most dignified submission, and a powerful halachic and spiritual act.

Why Do Charedim Wear Black, Two-Layered Yarmulkas?

The yarmulka (kippah) is not just a piece of fabric; it is a declaration of identity, of yiras Shamayim, of submission to Hashem.

Are You Allowed to Daven (Pray) in Shorts?

The question of whether one may daven in shorts is not merely about comfort or climate—it’s a question that touches the heart of what tefillah is: standing before the King of kings.

Why Do Charedim Wear Black Hats and Jackets for Davening (Prayers)?

When you walk into a Charedi minyan, one thing stands out: nearly all the men wear a black hat and jacket while davening. But this is not a matter of social conformity. It is a reflection of deep halachic and hashkafic values—about what it means to stand before the Ribbono Shel Olam.

Why Do Charedi Men Wear Black and White?

The choice of black and white clothing among Charedi men is not merely a cultural custom—it reflects deep spiritual principles rooted in humility, identity, and the pursuit of timeless truth.

How Do Charedim Respond to Painful Media Portrayals or Societal Judgments?

Painful media portrayals. Hostile headlines. Mockery, suspicion, even hatred. In many countries—but especially in Eretz Yisrael—the Charedi community is often targeted by powerful forces in the media and society. How do we respond?

Zakein HaPoskim, Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl: “Even a Bochur Who Isn’t Learning Must Not Enlist”

Maran Rosh Yeshivas Netiv Aryeh and Rav of the Old City of Yerushalayim—has issued an unprecedented public psak halacha declaring that even Chareidi bochurim who are not currently learning must not enlist in the IDF under any framework.

Why Is Sinas Chinam Considered Such a Terrible Sin — And How Does It Delay the Geulah?

Sinas chinam—baseless hatred among Jews—is not just another aveirah. It is the core spiritual illness that destroyed the Beis HaMikdash and keeps us in galus to this day.

Is Unity Possible Without Agreement on Zionism or Army Service?

Klal Yisrael has always been a diverse nation—with twelve shevatim, each with their own path in avodas Hashem. The Charedi worldview believes deeply in the possibility—and necessity—of unity among Jews, even when we strongly disagree about ideological issues like Zionism or army service.

Why Does Chabad Get Its Own Post?

Because when it comes to kiruv rechokim—bringing distant Jews closer to their Father in Heaven—Chabad is not just involved. Chabad is built on it. Other groups engage in kiruv. Chabad embodies kiruv.

What Is the Chareidi Approach to Kiruv?

Kiruv—bringing fellow Jews back to their Father in Heaven—is not just an inspiring ideal. It is a sacred obligation, rooted in halachah, lit up by mesorah, and embraced across the full spectrum of Chareidi gedolim and roshei yeshivah.

Stories of the Heart: When Gedolim Lift the Fallen

The Torah is not only emes. It is also chessed. And when the two join, the result is not compromise—it is redemption. These stories remind us that no Jew is ever beyond reach, and that sometimes the greatest kiruv is a quiet hand, a heartfelt tear, or a place at the table.

What Do Charedim Think About Those From Their Community Who Go Off the Derech?

When a child or adult from a Torah home leaves the path of Torah observance—what we call “going off the derech”—it brings deep pain. But in the Chareidi world, the response is not one of rejection. It is one of heartbreak, introspection, and above all—unconditional love.

What Is the Chareidi Approach to Those Who Don’t Yet Keep the Torah?

The Chareidi world views every Jew—no matter how distant from Torah observance—with infinite love and unshakable hope.

Are We Allowed to Go Up on Any Parts of Har HaBayis Before Moshiach Comes?

The question of ascending Har HaBayis (the Temple Mount) is one of the most serious halachic and hashkafic debates in our times. The Torah approach—especially in the Charedi world—is one of extreme caution, reverence, and fear of violating kedushas haMakom.

Are We Allowed to Actively Build a Torah Society Before Moshiach — or Must We Wait Passively?

This is a vital question, especially in today’s world where Jews are seeking direction: Do we wait quietly for Moshiach to come, or are we allowed—even obligated—to actively build a Torah-based society before he arrives?

How Does the Concept of “Moshiach ben Yosef” Relate to Current Events and Zionism?

The term “Moshiach ben Yosef” appears in many classical sources—Talmud, Midrash, Zohar, and the writings of the Vilna Gaon and Maharal—and has taken on various interpretations throughout the generations.

How Should We All Prepare for Moshiach’s Coming?

Every Jew who believes in the Torah knows that Moshiach is not a fantasy, a dream, or a metaphor. It is a reality that has been promised, described, and anticipated since the days of Avraham Avinu.

What Is the Role of Teshuvah in Speeding Up or Delaying the Geulah?

The final redemption (גאולה) is not just a date on the calendar, waiting for history to catch up. It is a spiritual process — shaped by the actions and choices of Am Yisrael. According to the Torah and Chazal, one force more than any other determines when Moshiach will come: Teshuvah.

If the State Collapses Before Moshiach, What Will Be With Security, Economy, and Daily Life?

It’s a serious question, and one that touches the heart of many Jews: If the State of Israel were to collapse before Moshiach comes — politically, militarily, or economically — what would happen to the Jewish People living here?

What Are the Charedi Thoughts on Hamas and Other Terrorists? Is Physically Wiping Them Out the Solution?

What is the authentic Charedi Torah view on this issue? Do Charedim believe that physically destroying terror groups will solve the problem? Do we fear terrorists? Or only Hashem? And most importantly: what does the Torah demand of us in response?

Why Do the Gedolim Say That Relying on the State Delays the Coming of Moshiach?

To those unfamiliar with the Charedi worldview, the claim that relying on the State of Israel delays Moshiach’s arrival might sound startling. Isn’t a strong Jewish state a positive step forward? Doesn’t it help the Jewish people flourish? Doesn’t it protect Jews around the world?

What Do the Gedolim Say About Where We Are in History With Moshiach’s Imminent Arrival?

But today, we are hearing something more. Not just that Moshiach will come, but that he’s nearly here. Many of the Gedolei HaDor—across all spectrums of Torah Jewry—have expressed in recent years that we are living in a unique, critical time. The call is not just to wait, but to prepare.

What Is the Charedi View of “Atchalta D’Geulah” (The Beginning of the Redemption)?

The phrase “Atchalta D’Geulah”—“the beginning of the redemption”—has become central to Religious Zionist ideology. It represents their belief that the founding of the State of Israel, or even the initial return of Jews to Eretz Yisrael, marks the first stage of the ultimate redemption (Geulah).

Do We Pray for the End of the Secular State of Israel in Shemoneh Esrei?

We are davening for a future that is fundamentally at odds with the values and structure of the State of Israel. It's not a political statement. It is a tefillah statement. The words of our Shemoneh Esrei call into question the spiritual legitimacy and permanence of a government divorced from Torah.

Breslov Rabbanim Declare: “Better to Miss Uman Than Fall Into the IDF Trap”

“Since the conscription decree is a gezeiras shmad, no one should allow themselves to fall into the IDF’s trap by signing onto any track—military, national, or civil service. Reality has proven again and again that their promises are worthless.

Why Do Charedim Always Listen to Their Rabbanim?

In today’s culture of radical individualism and skepticism toward authority, the Charedi world’s deep deference to Rabbanim can seem baffling—if not dangerous—to outsiders. The media often portray this as blind obedience, implying that Charedim are discouraged from thinking for themselves.