Haredi Judaism
Ultra-Orthodox Judaism, often called by its adherents Haredi Judaism, is the most theologically conservative form of Judaism. The Hebrew term "haredi" means "to tremble [before God]" and implies that its adherents are exceptionally pious, and observant of the word of God.
Most Hasidic (also Chasidic) Orthodox Jews are considered ultra-Orthodox Jews. However, Hasidic and Haredi are not identical; there are many non-Hasidic ultra-Orthodox Jews. In the Ashkenazi (East European) Jewish community these Jews are known as mitnagdim.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews remain distinct from the general population by wearing distinctive garb, usually long black jackets, no tie, and a formal dress hat. Different Haredi groups wear different types of hats. Men are almost always bearded. Women cover their hair.
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups are sometimes hostile to Modern Orthodox Judaism, to the point where Modern Orthodox rabbis have been slandered by some Haredim as "enemies" of the Jewish people and "haters of God".
While the vast majority of the Jewish world is pro-Zionist, many within the Haredi world are non-Zionist; these Jews do not support the State of Israel in any religious sense, because they feel that it is inappropriate for Jews to reclaim the right to live in their own state before the messiah arrives. A few small fringe ultra-Orthodox groups are anti-Zionist.
Haredim have strong family values, often having many children, and they work diligently to preserve the continuity of the Jewish people, even if they see themselves as the sole representative of the Jewish people.
Ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups include:
- Agudath Israel of America; 84 William St., New York, NY 10038
- Agudath HaRabonim - The Union of Orthodox Rabbis Of The United States and Canada, 235 East Broadway, New York, NY 10002
- Hasidic Jewish groups such as: Satmar, Belzer, Bobov, Bostoner, Belzer, Gerer, Satmar, Vizhnitz, Breslov, Puppa, Bianer, Munkacz, and Rimnitz.
Prof. Eli Segal's "Varieties of Orthodox Judaism" website describes the many forms of Orthodoxy.
Varities of Orthodox Judaism
See also: Judaism -- Orthodox Judaism -- Jews -- Religious pluralism