what is haredi

Haredi, also spelled Charedi, is a term used to describe a subset of Orthodox Jews who strictly adhere to halakha (Jewish law) and traditions, in opposition to modern values and practices. The word "Haredi" is derived from the Biblical verb "hared," which appears in the Book of Isaiah and is translated as ". The term is often used in place of "ultra-Orthodox," which many view as inaccurate or offensive. Haredim are characterized by their absolute reverence for Torah, including both the Written and Oral Law, as the central and determining factor in all aspects of life. Although Haredi culture is often viewed as a monolith, various subtle and not-so-subtle distinctions exist. For example, Sephardim may or may not be considered Haredi, since ultra-Orthodox Sephardim do not reject the validity of the modern state of Israel. Despite internal differences, the political and demographic strength of Haredim continues to grow dramatically.