Ultra-Orthodox Israeli Woman Defies Rabbis and Runs Left

How refreshing to read about a caring, passionate,articulate religious person who wants to advocate for and improve her own community instead of telling or forcing others from different communities to believe or live as she does.

As usual in NYT coverage of the Israeli religious right, this article fails to distinguish between the vastly different political persuasions of so-called Haredi or Ultra-Orthodox Israelis -- whose theopolitical leaders are religiously opposed to Zionism and whose main political demands are more welfare for their massive, employed families, more money for their religious schools, and less threat of being drafted to the military like the rest of the country -- and so-called Religious Zionist or Haredi-Zionist Israelis, whose theopolitical leaders are (generally, rabidly) nationalistic, who tend to serve in the military (or at least a national service alternative, for women too religious for the military), and whose primary political demands are in favor of settlements and in opposition to any sort of territorial compromise with the Palestinians. Every time I read one of these stories, there's this extremely misleading assumption, either implicit or explicit, that "the religious right" equals "the political right" equals the territorial maximalists equals the people most likely to throw rocks at you for dressing immodestly. But in point of fact, these are very different extremists, in some respects diametrically opposed. She is from the part of society much less fanatically nationalistic, but much more fanatically opposed to scientific progress or liberal values. Whether or not she's individually progressive in any of these respects, this context is essential to the story.

This was a truly enlightening article. I knew little of the details of these ultra orthodox groups and their cultural backwardness. Explained their political far right stance. I admire this young woman and wish her well. There are so many young people all over the world in right wing government countries that are rebelling against the old prejudices and restrictions of their elders. As in Venezuela. Good on them. Gives one hope for the future.

Wonder if she supports Women of the Wall, the central mission of which is to attain social and legal recognition of the right, as women, to wear Women of the Wall shawls, pray, and read from the Torah, collectively and aloud, at the Western Wall. If she does, she should include this in the standard presentation of her candidacy; If she doesn't then she does not belong in the Labor Party. https://www.womenofthewall.org.il/

Wishing Ms. Zernowitski lots and lots of mazel in all her endeavors. She definitely is on the good path forward.

The concept of "generational yearnings" should speak to all of us. Thank you for understanding that no group is monolithic.

I think I just felt a glimmer of hope. What a strange sensation. Ms. Zernowitski’s candidacy is a breath of fresh air, indeed.

Good for her. Ireland has finally overturned its catholic fundamentalist identity. It’s even more free than Northern Ireland now. I wish this lady all the best.

With all the absurd talk from some new Democratic members of Congress about supporting boycotting Israel and questioning its right to exist as a Jewish State, Israel, despite its detractors, is a democracy. Like many of my fellow American Jews I detest Netanyahu as much as I do Trump and believe that the right wing under his leadership has taken Israel into the abyss. I support a two State solution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Any attempts by the Democratic Party to deny the legitimacy of the Jewish State of Israel, or to boycott and divest from Israel will cause the Democratic Party to lose Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and give up any hopes of ousting the demagogue occupying the White House. Ms. Zernowitski is unusual in her challenging the dogmas of the ultra orthodox, but the vast majority of Israelis are not orthodox. Despite all the criticisms from people about Israel, the majority of whom have never visited the State, Israel is a Democracy just like America. Every day in Israeli print media, radio, television, and the Internet Israelis disagree with their current government and leader and do so vehemently. No one is jailed for criticizing the government. There are Arabs on the Supreme Court, and every day Israeli Arab doctors work side by side with Israeli Jewish doctors in hospitals all across the State. Ms. Zernowitski may be unusual because of her orthodoxy but she is not at all unusual in terms of her political views which many Israelis openly share.

Yashar Koach (Jewish version of Right On)!!! One can be religious and thoroughly contemporary at the same time. Appropriate that a woman should show the men how to multi-task, as it were. How good and pleasant it would be for all of us to dwell together as brothers and sisters....

Why is it always the women who display common sense and humanity. If world civilization wants to advance women should be given full equal rights as men. Do this and good things will happen...

A much needed breath of fresh air. I wish her luck. The rabbi's hold over their communities isn't good for the Haredi or for the wider Israeli society.

And today, this New York Times article gives me hope, where before I saw internal strife and danger to ISrael far greater than Iran. I feel happy. The other candidate not mentioned is an Arab-Israeli women running as a candidate in the Likud party! ( for real). And so we see that the women are smarter than the men in ways that matter. And this: "Schools where children are taught Torah and Talmud but not math, science or history. Adults who come of age and find they are incapable of holding down a job." So important. These Yehsivas waste great minds. South Korea has adopted the Talmudic learning style-- but applied it to math and sciences. Meanwhile the Haredi have great minds.... and no skills. This is a turning point....in a very good way. Thank you!

With her all the way! Just the type of clear-headed challenge debate/break needed!

You go, girl!

WOW. The times they are a' changing indeed.

From her mouth to God's ears!!!!!

If Ms. Zernowitski were living in USA and did this, she would have been called anti-semitist.

With her all the way. Let's face it, religion and government DO NOT MIX well!

What a breath of fresh air. New open minded young politicians from all religious backgrounds need to come forward to challenge the status quo. While mindful of security concerns new political approaches will strengthen and secure the survival of Israel.

Which is worse, the word ‘ultra’ or the word ‘orthodox’?

There is a huge distinction between the Netanyahu government and the people of Israel., arguably Ms. Zernowitski is exhabit "A". Anti-Semites portray them as identical. Those who know the people know there is a distinction. The nation may soon listen to its better voices and elect a government that represents Israel's liberal-democratic past. We'll see.

<3 her!

I suspect there are many people like this. It’s s very diverse community

I am often unyieldingly critical of Israel and ethnostates in general but this article is a glimmer of hope. Given the birth rates of the Ultraorthodox in Israel, they will soon become a majority of Jewish Israelis but there are bound to be some who will be lulled from their upbringing into the 21st century. Then again, this woman and the Labor party she is running with are politically non-viable. That faint glimmer truly is faint. The elections will give us non-Israelis a clearer view of the direction the Jewish state is heading and I am gloomy about what that prospects.

I just finished watching a 2- season series on Netflix called "Shtisel" It's a fascinating window into Haredi life; and addresses the changes that are just barely starting to emerge among the ultra-orthodox.

She isn't the first hareidi woman to join a secular party; a number of years ago there was a woman from Jerusalem who joined a different party, but nothing came out of it. It's true that younger hareidim, though not all, are seeking to make a living and thus getting an education as young adults. But the reason the male dominated hareidi parties platform as they do is because the rabbis whom they follow are not interested in scrapping the system, though individually they counsel men to be trained for well paying jobs. The system is based on the belief that much of what sustains Israel today is the focus on Torah learning, and the tremendous chesed/good deeds/social support organizations that go with that religious lifestyle. Even Ms. Zernowitski can't argue with that premise, though a lifetime spent in learning is certainly not for the majority, and never was, even in Israel. Mr. Halbfinger, she is an interesting story. Sadly, much of what "animates" reality in Israel is kept out of the NYT, like the awful threats made by Iranian officials, almost daily, about how they will destroy Israel. Why? Because it's better to subtly poke fun at Israel while leaving out the existential threats posed by the Iranian theocracy, and others?

This is a hopeful sign of future improvement, if it's not just an aberration. Extreme religion leads to unending division, suppression, and misogyny. The only good path forward is for people to put their antiquated religious views to the side, and deal with reality instead.

This should tell you all you need to know about why there is No Secular education. Without an education, analytical skills, language skills , etc , they cannot leave . CANNOT. As hard as it is now , it can only get harder if not impossible to leave .In the American South during years of slavery , the only sure way to keep the slaves as slaves was NOT to teach them to read. That needed to be kept illiterate. Ever wonder why there were so few slave rebellions? The main and only goal of the ultra orthodox rabbis is to retain the power and control over poor jews . And they have learned how to do it- No Secular Education. As awful as this sounds try to think of a more valid reason.

I think the practical consequences of political decision bend toward the good of all, in the light that modern media is now providing on world events. Present facts can disrupt fierce clinging to values appropriate only for the past. Trying to preserve and live in the past that is valued by the right wing is futile, but it will take time to accommodate Ms. Zernowitski’s modern zeitgeist.

Will Michal Zernowitski stand up for the rights of the Palestinians. She should be speaking out against the horrible treatment they have received under the Israelis. They live under abominable circumstances and are starving. Someone should start fighting for them.

I have to say: it is refreshing to read an article about Israel that is NOT by Isabel Kershner. I think the elderly man quoted in the article is exactly right: Ms. Zernowitski is a long-term investment. I don't think the country is ready for her yet, but it desperately needs her "hashkafa" (outlook). Hopefully she will gather support, and others in the Haredi community will follow in her footsteps. Secular Israelis have much to learn from her as well. And she might be the "shot in the arm" that the Labor Party so desperately needs. She is definitely worth watching and supporting.

What a woman!! Go ahead make the world a beter place

I am frightened for her. The Middle East is such a dangerous place for liberals and women who speak out. But she's right, surely the people of Israel -- even the ultra-orthodox -- don't want the extreme right to take away democracy and freedom. Israel has always been a beacon of hope in that part of the world. But under the Netanyahu regime, dominated by religious fundamentalism and old men, Israel resembles its Arab neighbors a little more each day.

This world needs less religious fundamentalists and more community builders. Bravo Ms. Zernowitsky!

Its about time to grant women their rights in every community! I lived in highly oppressive religious and non religious cultures. I understand the strength needed to break out from those communities. I was born in Dagestan, southern Russia to a Jewish family in a Muslim influenced region. My mom got married when she was 13. I was five yrs old my parents emigrated to Israel. We lived secular life with “religious” values. I hated the double standards as a young girl growing in Israel. I rebelled. At the age of 18 my parents emigrated to New York. They settled among Orthodox Jews. Sadly, I end up marrying one shortly after... I endured much oppression, discrimination, and physical abuse. After four painful years in an abusive marriage, I separated. I was told that i will be marked as “used goods,” and no decent men will ever marry me. It took 3 yrs to get divorced. Meanwhile I begin to-work on Wall Street, where women were socially liberated. Needless to say, I had identity crisis. Dealing with shame, isolation, trying to transform... 30 years later...I’m grateful to live in America with much personal liberties and freedoms. Today, with the #metoo movement, it may not seem as such... we have a lot here to be grateful for as women. Im grateful to women like Ms. Z who paved and paving the way for others...it’s much needed! Long way ahead...

It's encouraging to read stories like this in the mainstream press. Particularly refreshing is the fact that it reflects the fact that Haredim are not a monolithic community and that views like Ms. Zernowitski exist. I am particularly that encouraged by the fact that Ms. Zernowitski is running because she is concerned about the future of her children. There should be no conflict between teaching Torah and Science and other knowledge to so Haredi can participate fully in the Israeli economy and society. Haredi parents who feel they should have this option for *their* children should be able to do so. Those who want a solely religious only education are able to do so. I don't know much about Israeli politics, other than what I read and I am sure the reality is complicated and fraught with conflict. How could it not be? But Ms. Zernowitski run gives me hope.

What was not reported was the large Anglo-immigrant community in Beit Shemesh - former Americans and Brits who are orthodox professionals used to women in leadership roles in the Jewish religious community.

Ms. Zernowitski sounds like an exciting new candidate. NYTimes please keep us updated on her career.

Thank you for this very interesting, in-depth article. The world needs more people like Ms. Zernowitski.