Religion and State in Israel: Past, Present, and Future (2015 Election)

Description: Israel abounds with strange paradoxes regarding religion and state. On the one hand, a Cohen (descended from the ancient Priestly caste) can't marry a divorcee; a Jew can only be converted by the Orthodox rabbis; wives are at a serious disadvantage in divorce proceedings; Moslems can only get married in their religious Moslem Court system; yeshiva students don't have to serve in the army; etc. On the other hand, pork is sold publicly; gays serve openly in the army and gay "spouses" are even given army pensions; restaurants, cinema houses and many stores are open on the Sabbath; Christmas trees abound in Tel Aviv near the end of each December; women have full equal rights and even serve on local Religious Councils; etc. Is this mere inconsistency or is there a "rationale" (if not altogether logical) here? This talk will discuss and analyze the dynamic changes regarding religion & society -- even while religion & state has remained largely the same. It will conclude with some thoughts regarding the subject and the upcoming elections.

Location: Campus Center Conference Room, 2nd floor Campus Center

Contact: > See Description for contact information

Topical Areas: Faculty, General Public, Staff and Administrators, Students, Students, Graduate, Students, Law, Students, Undergraduate, University Community, Judaic Studies, Religious Studies, Center for Jewish Culture, Center for Religious and Spiritual Life