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.
However—just because something happens under Hashem’s watchful eye does not mean we must embrace it or see it as the ideal. Often, Hashem places obstacles and contradictions in our path not as validations, but as tests. The secular government is one of those tests.
A Test, Not a Triumph
Rav Elchonon Wasserman Hy”d, one of the greatest Torah giants of pre-war Europe, famously said:
"A Jew is tested not only by suffering and exile, but also by redemption that comes through the wrong hands."
We know from our history that not every redemption is complete. The Gemara (Sanhedrin 98a) describes multiple ways in which the Geulah (redemption) may come—some of them with deep suffering, or under the rule of unworthy leaders. Our job is not to celebrate any appearance of Jewish sovereignty without asking: Is this leadership serving Hashem’s will or opposing it?
The Rise of Secular Zionism: A Historical Challenge
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 by largely secular leaders was not seen by the Charedi Gedolim as a sign of spiritual redemption. Rather, it was viewed as a spiritual challenge: a Jewish rule in the Holy Land, but one that does not recognize Torah as its supreme law.
Chacham Ovadia Yosef zt”l explained this duality beautifully:
"The fact that Hashem allowed this to happen does not mean that this is the ideal path. The question is: Are they bringing Jews closer to Torah or driving them away?" (Yabia Omer, Vol. 6, Yoreh Deah 14)
Similarly, the Chazon Ish wrote:
"In our times, secular governance is one of the greatest dangers to the spiritual survival of the Jewish people. The test is whether we remain loyal to Torah, or we compromise in the face of political power." (Igros Chazon Ish, Vol. I, Letter 19)
Everything Is a Test — Including Success
It’s a mistake to think that success in battle, technology, or agriculture is a sign of Divine approval. The Torah warns us (Devarim 8:17):
“And you will say in your heart, ‘My strength and the might of my hand made me all this wealth.’”
Even victories and accomplishments can be given as tests. Hashem may allow the secular state to flourish temporarily not as a reward, but to see whether Jews will be drawn in by materialism or stand strong in Torah.
We Don't Oppose Hashem’s Will — We Uphold It
The Charedi approach is not to reject the fact that the State exists, nor to pretend it's irrelevant. Rather, it is to say:
- Yes, the State exists by Hashem’s will.
- But that doesn’t mean we must support its ideologies or practices if they contradict Torah.
- Just as exile was Hashem’s will, but we didn’t embrace it — we lived within it while staying loyal to Torah — so too, we live within this system while remaining separate in spirit.
Our Role: To Respond With Emunah and Strength
Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l once said:
"If a person faces a challenge and remains strong in emunah, he brings more light into the world than any political achievement could ever bring."
We believe the secular system is a nisayon—a test of our values, our faith, and our loyalty to Torah. The government may be a reality, but we are not called to follow its ways. We are called to respond to it with strength, dignity, and unwavering commitment to Hashem.
In Summary
Yes, Hashem allowed a secular state to arise in Eretz Yisrael. But we believe this is not the fulfillment of Torah ideals—it is a challenge to them. Our response is not to resist with violence or hatred, but with deep love for truth, unshakable dedication to Torah, and faith that when the final redemption comes, it will not be by secular ideology, but by the hand of Hashem Himself.
Sources & Footnotes
- Sanhedrin 98a – Multiple scenarios for Geulah.
- Devarim 8:17 – “Kochi v’otzem yadi…”
- Igros Chazon Ish, Vol. I, Letter 19 – The danger of secular rule in Eretz Yisrael.
- Yabia Omer, Vol. 6, Yoreh Deah 14 – Chacham Ovadia on secular Zionism.
- Rav Elchonon Wasserman, Kovetz Maamarim – Redemption through the wrong hands.
- Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman – Quoted in Aleinu Leshabeach, Parshas Lech Lecha.