Levi Schwartz

A Nation of Torah Stands Together: Historic Gathering Planned in Jerusalem

Hundreds of thousands expected to join a peaceful demonstration to defend the freedom of Torah study, as Gedolei Yisrael urge participants to sanctify Hashem’s Name through unity and dignity.

From Persecuting Bnei Torah to a Palestinian State: The Price of Spitting on the Torah

This is the bitter irony, the ultimate chutzpah of the State: while declaring lomdei Torah to be criminals and threatening to jail yeshiva bochurim unless they submit to the army, Hashem turns the tables and lets the nations of the world treat Israel like the criminal.

Why Do Extremists Throw Rocks at Cars on Shabbos and Scream “Shabbos!”?

When a non-religious Jew drives through a neighborhood like Meah Shearim on Shabbos and has rocks thrown at his car, or hears someone scream “Shabbos!,” it leaves a bitter impression—not only of that moment, but of religious Jews in general.

Why does the general public see these extremists on the news so often?

Every few months—sometimes even days—a shocking news story or video clip circulates online. A man with a long beard and black hat is yelling at a soldier. A group of boys is burning a flag. Another protest. Another viral moment.

What Is the Charedi View on Calling Israeli Police Officers or Soldiers “Nazis”?

Absolutely not. There is no justification whatsoever—halachically, morally, or ethically—for using the word “Nazi” to describe any Jew, no matter how strongly one may oppose his actions.

What is the Charedi view on the minority of Neturei Karta that visits Iran and cozies up to enemies of Israel?

To be clear from the outset: the overwhelming majority of the Charedi world is sickened and appalled by the behavior of the fringe group known as Neturei Karta who have visited Iran, embraced Holocaust deniers, and spoken on platforms alongside enemies of the Jewish people.

What Is the Charedi View on Damaging Public Property, Setting Fires, or Writing Graffiti?

The Torah’s position is clear: acts of vandalism, destruction of property, and public disorder have no place in a Torah lifestyle. Whether it’s setting dumpsters on fire, scrawling graffiti, or breaking bus stops, such behavior is absolutely forbidden.

Wave of Arrests: Breslov, Chabad, and Chareidi Bochurim Dragged to Prison Ahead of Yamim Nora’im

The war on Torah is intensifying. On Tuesday night, a 23-year-old Breslover chassid, a talmid at HaRav Shalom Arush’s Chut Shel Chessed yeshiva, was arrested at Ben Gurion Airport while preparing to fly to Uman for Rosh Hashanah.

Why Don’t Charedi Rabbanim Come Out Publicly Against Extremists?

Every so often, when a fringe individual dressed in black and white acts outrageously—whether screaming at women, burning a flag, or vandalizing property—the cry arises: “Where are the Charedi Rabbanim? Why aren’t they condemning this publicly?”

What Is the Charedi View on Extremism?

The image of Charedim is often confused in the media—blurring the lines between mainstream Torah Jews and small, vocal fringe groups. Some see protestors burning flags and believe they represent the whole.

Do Yeshiva Students Belong in the Army to Save Lives?

This question arises often, and it is usually asked with deep emotion. Many argue: “If young men from religious Zionist yeshivot have fallen in battle al kiddush Hashem, shouldn’t Charedi yeshiva students also enlist?

How Did Gedolim Respond to Wars and Tragedies in Eretz Yisrael?

When Klal Yisrael faces tragedy—whether a war, a terrorist attack, or natural disaster—what do the Gedolei Yisrael tell us to do?

Must a Jewish King need to consult the Sanhedrin before going to war, and What Does This Mean for War Decisions in the Modern State of Israel?

According to Torah law, a Jewish king must consult the Sanhedrin before going to war. This halachah is not just a procedural detail—it is a deeply meaningful reflection of how Torah envisions authority, humility, and accountability even in the highest forms of leadership.

Supreme Court Targets Yeshiva Students With Economic Pressure

The assault on lomdei Torah took yet another step forward Monday, as Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of a left-wing petition seeking to cancel the National Insurance (Bituach Leumi) subsidy for yeshiva students deemed “draft dodgers.”

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.

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.

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.