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Since the founding of the Zionist movement until today, the question of the relationship between “church” and state in Israel remains unresolved, resulting in a continuous legal and social conflict among Israelis. The tension that arises from Judaism acting not only as a religion and culture but also as a national entity constitutionally underpinning an entire state—resulting in the “Jewish and democratic state” of Israel—manifests in major aspects of daily life for Israelis, such as marriage and divorce, conversion, and Shabbat. This book presents a crucial piece of scholarship in understanding the history and current dynamics of the relation between state and religion in Israel, and, in doing so, provides a unique perspective on the future potential solutions to this social rift.
“Friedman shows us in this informative book that the delicate balance between religion and state in Israel is not working, and the political fragility of a narrow parliamentary balance will ensure it cannot work…Friedman is right; clearly
something must be done.”
— Shaul Magid, Journal of Church and State
“Friedman’s monograph, in short, constitutes a concise and clear introduction to the vexing issue of the relationship between church and state in Israel, and it is certain to become a much-referenced work in this niche of Israel studies.”
— David Rodman, Israel Affairs
“The book is a fascinating read for readers outside of Israel that may not understand the basics of, and the inherent complexities of how the government of Israel operates, its laws, and the many tensions between the secular and religious communities.”
— Ben Rothke, The Times of Israel“Friedman adroitly examines the slow and steady erosion of the Status Quo over time by illustrating how Israel is becoming more secular and more religious at the same time, demarcating a ‘democratic-liberal Israel’ and a ‘Jewish-national Israel.’ Whereas one could suggest a healthy tension between them, Friedman shows how these deep divisions erode national Jewish co-existence. … Friedman shows us in this informative book that the delicate balance between religion and state in Israel is not working, and the political fragility of a narrow parliamentary balance will ensure it cannot work.”
— Shaul Magid, Journal of Church and State
“Judaism is a unique entity. It is a religion and a culture, but it is also a national entity. The State of Israel, the fulfillment of a dream of two millennia, when without a foothold in the promised land, Jewish continued existence depended on religious, spiritual, and intellectual values. But, how can this state, Jewish and democratic, relate to state and religion matters? … Shuki Friedman, in his concise but very informative, balanced, and well-organized book, surveys the issues systematically and describes the development of state and religion issues since the establishment of Israel.”
— Justice Elyakim Rubinstein, from the preface
Personal Introduction and Acknowledgments
Introduction: Jewish and Democratic—On Church-State Relations in Israel
1. The Shaping of the Status Quo
2. The Erosion of the Status Quo
3. Religion and State: The Failed Attempts to Enact Arrangements
4. Factors that Erode the Status Quo
5. Religion and State: Is Legislation of Any Use?
Conclusion: Separation of Religion and State?
Index