Levi Schwartz

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.

What Does the Word “Charedim” Mean, Where Does It Come From, and How Is it Used Today?

The word “Charedim” (חרדים) is often thrown around in headlines and conversations with little understanding of what it truly means.

Who Is the Erev Rav — And How Do They Fit Into the End of Days?

In Charedi thought—particularly among those steeped in the teachings of Chassidus and Kabbalah—the concept of the Erev Rav is not just a historical note, but a spiritual force with ongoing consequences, especially in the end of days.

Is the Founding of the State a Step Toward Moshiach — or a Delay in His Arrival?

This question—often debated both in batei midrash and around Shabbos tables—cuts to the heart of how we understand geulah, redemption, and the hidden ways of Hashgachas Hashem.

Why do Charedim mean when they say “Don’t bet on a horse that’s meant to lose”?

There’s a common expression heard in Charedi circles when discussing politics and modern Zionism: “Don’t bet on a horse that’s meant to lose.”

What Do Charedim Believe Will Happen to the State of Israel When Moshiach Comes?

We must first return to a foundational truth: the destiny of Am Yisrael is not political—it is prophetic. The ultimate purpose of Jewish existence is not national independence or self-governance, but the revelation of Malchus Hashem (the Kingship of G-d) over the entire world.

What is the Charedi view of secular Jews who work hard and raise families with values — even without Torah?

In a world deeply fractured by ideological divides, it’s natural to ask: how do Charedim view secular Jews—especially those who are hardworking, devoted to their families, contribute to society, and even live by what they consider strong moral values?

How do Charedim balance financial hishtadlus (effort) with bitachon (trust in Hashem)?

In the Charedi world, financial effort and trust in Hashem are not conflicting ideas—they are two sides of the same coin.

How Do Charedim View the Idea of Success in Life — Is It Only Spiritual?

In the Charedi world, success is defined by how closely one fulfills the purpose for which they were created. That purpose, according to the Torah, is to know Hashem, to serve Him, and to grow in ruchniyus (spirituality) through the study of Torah and performance of mitzvos.

Do Charedim Reject Zionism Because They See Jewish Sovereignty as Legitimate Only When Given by Hashem Through Moshiach?

Yes—at its root, this is the heart of the Charedi objection to Zionism. While there are many reasons that Charedim oppose secular Zionism—its values, its culture, its treatment of Torah, its historical approach to religion.

What is Charedi Derangement Syndrome (CDS)?

There is a strange illness plaguing Israeli society today. It’s not physical, though it affects people’s senses. It’s not mental illness, though it clouds the mind. It’s not new, though it’s gaining traction by the day. We call it CDS—Charedi Derangement Syndrome.

Does the IDF Put Soldiers in Harm’s Way Because of Political and Legal Pressures?

Yes. Tragically, there are well-documented cases in which the Israeli army has knowingly placed soldiers at higher risk—risking injuries and fatalities—not due to lack of capability, but due to political calculations or legal restrictions imposed by internal and international pressures.

Zionism’s Paradox: Claiming the Land Through a Torah They Reject

One of the most striking inconsistencies in the secular Zionist claim to Eretz Yisrael is this: They base their right to the land on the Torah—but deny the authority of the Torah.

Why Do Charedim Avoid Using the Term "Zion" or "Zionism," Even Though It Is a Traditional Torah Term?

In Tanach, Tzion is a poetic and spiritual name for Yerushalayim, for Eretz Yisrael, and for the Jewish people in their elevated state. It is a name that evokes yearning, holiness, and the hope of redemption. So why do Charedim often refrain from using the word “Zion”?

Do Charedim Believe Jews Are Safer in Eretz Yisrael or in the Diaspora?

“There’s no place safer for a Jew than Eretz Yisrael.” It’s a phrase that gets said often—sometimes when rockets are falling, sometimes when the streets of Brooklyn or Paris turn hostile. And at first glance, it seems like wishful thinking.

Do Charedim Love the Land as Much as the Biggest Zionists?

“If Charedim don’t call themselves Zionists, can they really love Eretz Yisrael as much as the Zionists do?” Let’s not flinch from this. Let’s answer it honestly—with humility, with facts, and with heart.

How Do Charedim Express Their Love and Yearning for Eretz Yisrael Outside the Political Framework?

Ask a Charedi Jew if they love Eretz Yisrael, and you won’t get a campaign slogan. You’ll get a tear. A tefillah. A deep sigh that says, “We’ve waited so long to come home.”

Do Charedim Believe the Holiness of Eretz Yisrael Is Diminished by Secular Control?

“If Charedim believe that Eretz Yisrael is so holy, how can they still speak of its kedushah when it’s run by a secular government?” After all, when the values of the government often clash with Torah—when chillul Shabbos is public, when Torah is sidelined, when modesty and morality are mocked.

How Do Charedim Interpret the Idea of “Yishuv Eretz Yisrael” Today?

If you were to walk the winding alleyways of Meah Shearim or the busy streets of Bnei Brak and ask someone what they think about Yishuv Eretz Yisrael—settling the Land of Israel—you wouldn’t get a political speech.

Is There a Difference Between Settling in Religious vs. Secular Areas in Eretz Yisrael?

Yes — there can be a meaningful difference. But as with many things in Torah life, it depends: on your level, your goals, your family’s needs, and the unique mission Hashem has given you.