Category Archives: Marc B. Shapiro

Should Jewish Women Cover Their Faces When They Go Outside?

Historian Marc B. Shapiro writes: A long time ago I was asked to deal with the so-called Jewish Taliban women, who completely cover their faces when they go out. I know that everyone has downplayed their significance and referred to … Continue reading

Posted in Haredi, Judaism, Marc B. Shapiro | Comments Off on Should Jewish Women Cover Their Faces When They Go Outside?

Should You Teach Your Son A Trade?

Historian Marc B. Shapiro writes: “Let’s begin with the common practice in the Israeli haredi world of ignoring what the Sages tell us in Kiddushin 29a and not teaching young men a trade so that instead they can devote themselves … Continue reading

Posted in Marc B. Shapiro | Comments Off on Should You Teach Your Son A Trade?

Saudi Arabia Is Not A Theocracy

Historian Marc B. Shapiro blogs: Saudi Arabia is not a theocracy. When the State was established there was no automatic assumption that the status quo in all religious matters would carry on (see R. Herzog’s constitution and the correspondence published … Continue reading

Posted in Marc B. Shapiro | Comments Off on Saudi Arabia Is Not A Theocracy

Stoning Sabbath Violaters

Historian Marc B. Shapiro blogs: R. Moshe Eisemann, who used to have a great deal of influence in the moderate haredi camp, wrote as follows with reference to the Jerusalem fanatics who throw stones at passing cars (not knowing, of … Continue reading

Posted in Marc B. Shapiro | Comments Off on Stoning Sabbath Violaters

Forcing Israelis To Have A Religious Wedding

Historian Marc B. Shapiro blogs: It was actually the Religious Zionists who were responsible for creating the undemocratic situation in which Israel is perhaps the only country in the world in which Jews are not free to be married by … Continue reading

Posted in Israel, Marc B. Shapiro | Comments Off on Forcing Israelis To Have A Religious Wedding