Levi Schwartz

50,000 Secular Draft Dodgers Walk Free — But the State Targets Bnei Torah

Israel’s military leaders warn of a “manpower crisis,” insisting that the IDF urgently needs 10,000 more soldiers to fill its ranks. The solution, we are told, is to break down the doors of yeshivos and drag lomdei Torah into prison.

Tel Aviv’s War on Torah: 130 Shuls Threatened With Eviction Unless They Break Halacha

This is not a “Chareidi issue.” Today it’s Tel Aviv—tomorrow it’s everywhere. Dati Leumi and Chareidi alike must stand together to defend our mesorah.

What’s the Charedi View on Full-Time Torah Learning vs. Working?

In the Charedi world, full-time Torah learning is not simply a “life choice.” It is the highest form of avodas Hashem, the beating heart of the Jewish People, and the foundation upon which all of Klal Yisrael rests.

What is the Charedi view on entrepreneurship?

In the Charedi world, the highest calling is unquestionably Torah learning. That doesn’t mean that earning a living through creative, independent, and honest means is seen as anything less than noble.

Why don’t Charedim place a high value on academic degrees or higher education?

In the Charedi world, education is not merely a tool for making a living. It is the process by which a Jew refines himself, connects to Hashem, and lives a life of meaning and truth. And there is no higher, deeper, or more meaningful education than Torah learning.

Why are most Charedim willing to receive financial support from the government of Israel if they oppose the state ideologically?

Let us begin with the simple truth: The State of Israel benefits far more from the Charedi world than the Charedi world benefits from the State.

What is the Charedi approach to participating in national government offices or taking political roles within the State of Israel?

At first glance, it may seem contradictory: If the Charedi world opposes the ideology of secular Zionism and does not view the State of Israel as the true fulfillment of Jewish sovereignty, why do some Charedim participate in its political system?

How does the Dati Leumi (Religious Zionist) world view nationalism?

Within parts of the Dati Leumi community, especially its ideological leadership, nationalism has been embraced — often wrapped in religious language. They believe the rebirth of Jewish sovereignty through the State of Israel is a spiritual milestone, even a fulfillment of prophecy.

What is the Torah's view on Nationalism?

Nationalism is the belief that a people’s identity, value, and destiny are rooted primarily in their nationhood — in shared language, land, culture, and history. It often promotes national self-determination as the highest goal and sees the nation-state as the ideal vessel for a people’s expression.

Do Charedim believe in civil disobedience for Torah causes?

Yes — Charedim absolutely believe that when Torah is under threat, we have not only the right but sometimes the obligation to resist. And if that resistance requires nonviolent civil disobedience, then so be it.

How do Charedim view secular Jewish leadership — are they seen as “resha’im” or simply misled?

The Charedi world does not paint all secular Jewish leaders with a single brush. We do not jump to call anyone a “rasha” lightly.

How should Charedim respond to secular or national-religious Jews who feel resentment that we aren’t called up for Miluim (IDF reserve duty)?

First and foremost, let us begin with gratitude and empathy. We acknowledge that being called up for Miluim is no small thing. It means time away from family, financial pressure, psychological strain, and at times even danger.

What is the Torah View on "Dina D'malchusa Dina" (the Halachic Rule to Follow the Law of the Land)?

The concept of Dina D'malchusa Dina—“the law of the land is the law”—has often been misunderstood and misapplied, especially in the context of the State of Israel. For the Torah world, Dina D'malchusa Dina does not mean that any secular government can legislate laws for Jews to follow.

3 True stories that illustrate the deep conflict between the Israeli Supreme Court and halacha.

In the mid-1990s, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled against the Chinuch Atzmai school system, the independent Charedi education network founded by the Gedolei HaDor under the guidance of the Chazon Ish and Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l.

What is the Charedi view of the Israeli Supreme Court?

The Charedi world sees the Israeli Supreme Court not just as a legal institution—but as a spiritual battleground. While many Jews view the court as the highest expression of democracy and justice, Charedim view it as a system built on values foreign to the Torah, often in direct contradiction to it.

“Battle of Rage” and Yom Tefillah: Klal Yisroel Mobilizes Against Arrests of Bnei Torah

The pressure campaign against yeshiva bochurim has sparked an unprecedented dual response this week: public demonstrations of protest alongside massive atzeros tefillah called by Gedolei Yisroel across the country.

Do Charedim support a halachic state? What would that look like?

This is a question that touches on the heart of

Do Charedim believe that secular governance in Eretz Yisrael is part of Hashem’s plan — or a challenge to it?

The Charedi worldview understands that everything that happens in the world is by Hashgacha Pratis, Divine Providence. Whether uplifting or painful, whether holy or profane, nothing occurs outside the will of Hashem. This includes the rise of a secular government in Eretz Yisrael.

Open Response to Uri Pilichowski's Post About Charedim on Vacation

Thank you for writing your heartfelt post. Even though I don’t know you personally, I can feel from your words that you truly have Ahavas Yisrael and a deep love for all Jews. You’re in real pain, and that sincerity comes through.

Gedolei HaDor Denounce Draft Decrees and National-Religious Leaders

In a historic meeting, HaGaon Rav Dov Landau shlit”a and HaGaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch shlit”a issued a firm call against the army draft of yeshiva students, condemning National-Religious politicians who, they warned, are aiding secular parties in campaigns against bnei Torah.

Midnight Raid: Yeshiva Bochur Dragged From Bed for the “Crime” of Learning Torah

The IDF’s so-called “enforcement” targets Sephardim, ba’alei teshuvah, and geirim—while avoiding Bnei Brak and Chassidic strongholds. Gedolei Yisrael say: do not be intimidated.

Rav Hirsch shlit"a Shares Remark from U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee

During a recent meeting, a senior American diplomat emphasized that while an army is essential, without spirituality a nation cannot endure.

HaRav Dov Landau Shlit”a to IDF Commander: “The Army Does Not Protect Us — The Torah Protects Us”

In a rare and striking exchange, HaRav Dov Landau shlit”a confronted an IDF commander on the question of army service and yeshiva students, declaring that only Torah provides true protection for Klal Yisrael.

⚠️ HaRav Dov Landau Shlit”a Issues Urgent Call Against Army Draft (Video with English Transcription)

HaRav Dov Landau shlit”a, warns of the dangers posed by the military draft. He urges Klal Yisrael to remain steadfast in emunah, resist pressure and temptation, and stand strong in absolute adherence to Torah.

What is Tikkun Olam?

Tikkun Olam literally means "repairing the world"—a phrase that sounds universally beautiful. But what does it actually mean in Torah?

What Is Maayan HaChinuch HaTorani and Why Was It Created?

Maayan HaChinuch HaTorani is a Charedi Sephardic school network in Eretz Yisrael, founded in 1984 by Maran Chacham Ovadia Yosef zt”l.

IDF’s “One-Time Opportunity” Exposed as Empty Promise to Pressure Bnei Torah

Despite threats and vague assurances, Gedolei Yisrael remind us: the only true protection is Torah, and no campaign can uproot Klal Yisrael from the beis midrash.

Bochur Handcuffed, Denied Water in Prison—Released to Dancing and Song

After days in harsh conditions, the bochur’s release turned a protest into a celebration of Torah’s strength.

What Is Chinuch Atzmai and Why Was It Created?

Chinuch Atzmai (literally, “Independent Education”) is the name of the Charedi school system in Israel, established in 1953 to provide Torah-true education outside of the State-controlled educational framework.

Does the State of Israel Try to Force Secular Education in Charedi Schools?

The answer is unequivocally yes. Over the past two decades, the Israeli government—often through the Ministry of Education and the Supreme Court—has repeatedly attempted to regulate, monitor, and mandate secular studies in Charedi schools.