Education, Society & the Economy

This section dispels myths about Charedi economic life and explores their contributions to society. It addresses employment, higher education, poverty, and the vision for healthy community growth within Torah boundaries.

What Is the Charedi View on How Taxes Are Spent by the State?

Charedim feel that not only are taxes collected from them unfairly, but they are often used to support values and systems directly opposed to the Torah. This creates both spiritual and ethical concerns that cannot be ignored.

Do Charedim Pay Taxes?

Charedim, like all Israeli citizens, pay multiple forms of taxes throughout their lives. These include indirect taxes, as well as direct taxes for those who work—of whom there are tens of thousands, especially among Charedi women and an increasing number of men.

How Would Opening the Workforce Earlier Economically Benefit Both Charedim and the State?

Let’s be clear: when thousands of capable, intelligent, motivated Jews are legally barred from working until age 26, both their communities and the country lose out on years of productivity, growth, and opportunity.

Why Don’t Charedim Participate Equally in the Workforce?

At first glance, critics claim that Charedim are choosing not to participate in the workforce, But such claims ignore one of the most crucial realities behind the numbers: In Israel, the State itself prevents many Charedim from entering the workforce before the age of 26.

Do Charedim See Working as a Religious Value?

To understand the Charedi view, we must distinguish between working as a necessity and working as an ideal.