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. Some use it as a label, others as a slur, and still others with pride. But to understand the word is to understand a worldview—a posture toward Hashem, toward Torah, and toward life itself.

So what does “Charedim” really mean?

The Root of the Word: “To Tremble” — But With Love

The word “Charedim” comes from the Hebrew root חרד, which means to tremble, to quake, or to be in awe. But this trembling is not fear of punishment or nervousness—it is yiras Shamayim, a deep, holy reverence for Hashem and His Torah.

This type of trembling is mentioned explicitly in Tanach:

“שִׁמְעוּ דְבַר ה' הַחֲרֵדִים אֶל דְּבָרוֹ” “Hear the word of Hashem, you who tremble at His word.” — Yeshayahu 66:5 [¹]

The Metzudas David explains this verse to mean:

“המכבדין את דבר ה׳ ונזהרים מאוד לעבור עליו” “Those who honor the word of Hashem and are exceedingly careful not to transgress it.” [²]

This is the essence of what it means to be a “Charedi”: not just someone who keeps mitzvos, but someone whose entire being trembles in awe before the dvar Hashem. It’s a life lived with spiritual sensitivity, striving to fulfill even the most subtle halachic detail—not out of anxiety, but out of love and reverence.

Not a Political Party, But a Spiritual Identity

The term "Charedim" has, in modern times, taken on sociopolitical dimensions in the State of Israel. It is used to describe the religious sector that generally aligns with traditional Torah authorities, yeshiva life, separation from secular culture, and opposition to Zionist ideology in its secular form.

But in truth, being a Charedi is not about black hats, clothing style, or political affiliation. It is about a spiritual posture—of trembling at the word of Hashem, as Chazal define it.

Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l was once asked: “What makes someone a Charedi?” He answered simply:

“מי שמפחד מהקב״ה.” “Someone who fears HaKadosh Baruch Hu.” [³]

The Zohar’s Language: חרדה דקודשא בריך הוא

In the world of Kabbalah, the Zohar HaKadosh also speaks about this level of trembling:

“אינון דחילין וחרדין לקודשא בריך הוא” “They are those who fear and tremble before the Holy One, Blessed is He.” — Zohar, Parshas Shemini 38a [⁴]

This spiritual trembling is not passive. It leads to action—more careful mitzvah observance, more learning, more modesty, and a separation from anything that may dull the soul.

Charedim Today: A Continuation of Our Mesorah

In our generation, the Charedi community seeks to preserve the same Torah Judaism that has been handed down from Sinai through an unbroken chain of mesorah. In the face of modernization, secularism, and assimilation, Charedim are those who choose continuity over compromise.

In Eretz Yisrael, Charedim make up a significant percentage of the population and are a growing demographic. But their goal is not political power or cultural dominance—it is Torah living, protected from outside influence and guided by the Gedolei HaDor.

They follow the path of Gedolim such as:

• Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach zt”l, who held that Charedim must remain separate from secular Zionist institutions in order to preserve Torah values.
  
• The Chazon Ish zt”l, who defined the role of the Charedi community as spiritual guardians of Klal Yisrael.
  
• Chacham Ovadia Yosef zt”l, who supported a Torah-based lifestyle while encouraging Torah education and outreach within the framework of halacha and tradition.
  

Misuse and Misunderstanding of the Term

Unfortunately, the term “Charedi” is often misused in the media. It is used to stereotype or generalize, and sometimes even to incite division. Critics paint Charedim as extreme, backwards, or unwilling to contribute to society. But this stems from a lack of understanding of what Charedim truly strive for: to live according to the will of Hashem in every aspect of life.

Many who are called “Charedi” would simply call themselves “Yirei Shamayim” or “Bnei Torah.”

Final Thought: Charedi Means Caring

Rav Yitzchok Hutner zt”l once said that the real opposite of a Charedi is not a secular Jew—it’s someone indifferent. A Charedi cares. He or she trembles over Hashem’s word, over the kedusha of Shabbos, over a bracha said without kavanah, over a newspaper article that weakens emunah.

That’s not extremism—it’s depth. It’s love. To be a Charedi is to live with a full heart and a trembling soul.

Sources

1. Yeshayahu 66:5 – “Shimu dvar Hashem hacharedim el dvaro”
   
2. Metzudas David on Yeshayahu 66:5
   
3. Quoted by Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman in Orchos Yosher (chapter on Yiras Shamayim)
   
4. Zohar Shemini 38a – “Inun dechilin vecharadin lekudsha brich hu”