Religion vs. State: Balancing Freedom in Israel

Religion plays a central role in Israeli society, shaping its identity as a Jewish state. However, the balance between religious freedom and state control is a topic of intense debate, revealing deep divisions between secular and religious communities.

One of the most contentious issues is the control of public life by religious authorities. For example, the Chief Rabbinate oversees personal matters like marriage, divorce, and conversion. This monopoly has led to frustration among secular and non-Orthodox Jews, who often feel excluded or constrained by these regulations. In my opinion, the Rabbinate should maintain control over all Jews, as it ensures a unified religious standard within the Jewish state. However, there should be reforms to make the system more inclusive and accommodating, especially for non-Orthodox Jews. This balance would respect the Jewish character of Israel while addressing the needs of diverse communities.

Another major debate surrounds public transportation on Shabbat. Currently, most public transport shuts down during the Sabbath, which critics argue disproportionately affects secular communities and those without private vehicles. Proponents of the policy, however, see it as essential to preserving the Jewish character of the state. In my opinion, public transportation should absolutely not run on Shabbat. There is zero reason for it to operate. Israel is a Jewish state, and allowing transportation on the Sabbath is a direct contradiction to our faith. We use God’s name in the state’s very identity, yet engaging in activities that go against His laws is a spit in the face to Him. Shabbat is a sacred day, and it must be observed fully—without any disruptions like public transit. You can choose to break the Sabbath if you wish, but the state should not facilitate that.

Education is another arena where the balance between religion and state is contested. In many ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) schools, the curriculum focuses heavily on religious studies, with limited instruction in core subjects like math and science. This has sparked concerns about economic inequality and integration into the workforce. Haredi schools shouldn’t need to teach more subjects. They already dedicate their time to studying the holy Torah, which is the foundation of their education. It’s important to respect their way of life and not strip away from their religious focus. Trying to force them to include additional secular subjects takes away from their religious teachings and disrupts their values. Let them follow their tradition—there’s no reason why they should be forced to change what works for their communities.

Despite these tensions, many Israelis take pride in the country’s ability to accommodate a diverse range of religious expressions. From Reform Judaism to secularism, Israel is home to a variety of beliefs and practices. Yet, this diversity also raises questions about how to ensure equality while maintaining the country’s Jewish identity.

Israel should be a religious state, but everyone should have the freedom to do whatever they choose, as we all have free will. However, the state itself should not facilitate actions that go against the Torah. Just because people have the freedom to act however they please doesn’t mean the government should promote or support behaviors that conflict with Jewish law. Israel must remain a place where religious values are upheld and respected, while still allowing individuals to make their own choices.

The debate over religious freedom and state control is not just about laws and policies—it’s about the future of Israeli society. By addressing these challenges thoughtfully, Israel has the opportunity to strengthen its democracy while honoring its rich heritage.