From a Rav I’m associated with, who asked to remain anonymous:
Great post. It captures what many are feeling. But I think much of the struggle comes from the feeling that we have to identify as something—Charedi or Dati Leumi—when that’s not really the case.
There’s a new kind of Jew emerging. Someone who learned in yeshiva and whose halachic and hashkafic structure leans to the right, but who is also open-minded and comfortable on either side. And because of that, we often end up feeling confused or disconnected.
But maybe the goal isn’t to resolve the confusion—it’s to accept who we are.
We’re Jews who don’t say Hallel today and still keep Sefirah, but who also recognize that we are unbelievably blessed to have a land, to live here, and to be part of its unfolding story.
I don’t feel uncomfortable today—I feel clear. I include Yom Ha’atzmaut in my tefillos and my gratitude. I don’t need to explain or hide how I observe or don’t observe. I’m proud of where I stand, and I’m respectful of those who stand elsewhere.
Let people do what they do. These days pass quickly—and then we go back to living our Judaism together. With differences, yes, but still together.
“When things are in process, they are transitioning and therefore not stable nor aligned. Right now, our nation is in a state of movement.”
This piece was so powerful and, I am sure, not easy to really articulate. There is comfort in knowing that our mixed feelings are not just our own. Thank you.
From a Rav I’m associated with, who asked to remain anonymous:
Great post. It captures what many are feeling. But I think much of the struggle comes from the feeling that we have to identify as something—Charedi or Dati Leumi—when that’s not really the case.
There’s a new kind of Jew emerging. Someone who learned in yeshiva and whose halachic and hashkafic structure leans to the right, but who is also open-minded and comfortable on either side. And because of that, we often end up feeling confused or disconnected.
But maybe the goal isn’t to resolve the confusion—it’s to accept who we are.
We’re Jews who don’t say Hallel today and still keep Sefirah, but who also recognize that we are unbelievably blessed to have a land, to live here, and to be part of its unfolding story.
I don’t feel uncomfortable today—I feel clear. I include Yom Ha’atzmaut in my tefillos and my gratitude. I don’t need to explain or hide how I observe or don’t observe. I’m proud of where I stand, and I’m respectful of those who stand elsewhere.
Let people do what they do. These days pass quickly—and then we go back to living our Judaism together. With differences, yes, but still together.
Well put.
Beautifully written.
I actually wear a Black hat, and I do say Hallel. But I feel the same way
“When things are in process, they are transitioning and therefore not stable nor aligned. Right now, our nation is in a state of movement.”
This piece was so powerful and, I am sure, not easy to really articulate. There is comfort in knowing that our mixed feelings are not just our own. Thank you.