The Holy Land—TodayReligions in the Holy Land
Israel, while the Jewish State, is the cradle of the world's three monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Today, all three religious groups have roots, communities, and holy sites in Israel—as do other, newer faiths or offshoots. Read more about religious life in the modern Holy land here.
Judiasm in Israel
Jews comprise approximately 76% of the Israeli population, but defining what constitutes a "Jew" is not simple. Jews in Israel can mostly be classified into six groups: Secular, Ultra Orthodox, National Religious, Traditional, and, to a lesser extent, Reform, and Conservative. Read more »
Religions in the Holy LandJudaism in Israel
Jews comprise approximately 76% of the Israeli population, but defining what constitutes a "Jew" is not simple. Jews in Israel can mostly be classified into six groups: Secular, Ultra Orthodox, National Religious, Traditional, and, to a lesser extent, Reform, and Conservative. According to the one study, 43% of Israeli Jews are "non-religious," 35% are "traditionalist," 12% consider themselves "religious," 5% "Orthodox," and another 5% "anti-religious." All are considered "Jewish" under Israeli law, for the purposes of immigration under the Law of Return, or in matters such as marriage, divorce, and death, for which the religious court have jurisdiction. However, the groups differ in terms of their religious practice, their political leanings, and even their relationship with the State of Israel.
Secular Jews
The Hiloni, or secular Jewish movement, gained prominence during the Haskalah ("Enlightenment.") Jews moved out of the ghettos and began interacting with the secular world. They viewed themselves as secular, but also as Jewish, participating fully in the culture of the society around them while maintaining a strong Jewish identity. The social Zionist movement, in the early 20th century, essentially replaced Jewish law and tradition with Zionism and cultivating the land. Zionism became the religion of many Hiloni Jews. These immigrants viewed settling the land of Israel, speaking Hebrew, and living in the "Jewish homeland" was an adequate expression of their Judaism, and that the archaic laws and customs prevented the Jews from becoming fully integrated.
Traditional Jews
Under the spectrum of "secular Jews" falls the Masorati ("traditional") community. Masorati Jews fully believe in integrating with secular society, and taking advantage of all cultural, educational, and professional opportunities. At the same time, they wholeheartedly embrace a traditional Jewish lifestyle. For example, many will hold a Shabbat dinner every week, a Pesach seder every year, and keep kosher to some extent, though they do not accept all the strictures of Jewish law. Many Masorati choose to send their children to the state religious schools, as opposed to the secular schools.
Hiloni, and to a lesser extent, Masorati Jews often come into conflict with the more intensely religious elements in Israel, disagreeing about the jurisdiction of the Chief Rabbinate over personal matters such as marriage and divorce; the stipends given to the Haredi (ultra-religious) families and the absence of many Haredim from the armed forces; the closure of public transportation and most stores on Shabbat; and the prohibition against importing non-kosher food, such as pork.
Hiloni, and to a lesser extent, Masorati Jews often come into conflict with the more intensely religious elements in Israel, disagreeing about the jurisdiction of the Chief Rabbinate over personal matters such as marriage and divorce; the stipends given to the Haredi (ultra-religious) families and the absence of many Haredim from the armed forces; the closure of public transportation and most stores on Shabbat; and the prohibition against importing non-kosher food, such as pork.
National Religious
The Dati Leumi, or National Religious group, combines strict adherence to Jewish law with intensely Zionistic feelings and activities. The movement is based on the teachings and ideology of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook. Rav Kook, as he is known, taught that the Zionist precepts of hard work and settling the land had religious significance as well; in fact, Zionism was a sign of the Redemption. The cornerstone of the Dati Leumi movement is based on Rav Kook's teachings—the nation of Israel, observing the Torah of Israel, living in the land of Israel. Dati Leumi Jews participate fully in Israeli society—serving in the IDF, entering the workforce, and integrating with the non-religious society. However, they maintain strict observance of the mitzvoth (Jewish Law), and send their children to the religious schools.
Haredim
The ultra-religious element of Israeli society is known as the Haredim, who view strict observance of Jewish Law and Torah learning as the most central features of their lives. Many of them reject the notion of Zionism and a Jewish state, believing that Israel will only become the country of the Jewish people in the time of the Messiah and the Final Redemption. While an extreme sect is actively antagonistic to the Israeli government, for the most part, the Haredim accept the government's laws and rulings. After Israel was first established, David Ben-Gurion, the country's first prime minister, sought the support of the religious element. In exchange for cooperation and support, he promised certain religious parameters for the Jewish state. Shabbat would be the national day of rest; public transportation would not run on Shabbat (which it doesn't, except in Haifa, due to the city's large Mandate-era Arab population); and the religious courts (Bet Din) would have jurisdiction over Jewish civil matter such as marriage, conversion, divorce, and death. In addition, the religious sector argued that the most brilliant Torah scholars should be exempt from army service in order for them to build up the Jewish scholarship which perished in the Holocaust.
Tensions have escalated in recent years as the quotas for army exemptions continue to rise, and non-Haredi community is often resentful of the government stipends and handouts the Haredim receive. Many in the secular community are also not happy with the influential role religion continues to play in the daily lives of Israelis; the Haredim, in contrast, are uneasy with what they view as the secularization of Israeli society and the Westernization of Judasim.
Tensions have escalated in recent years as the quotas for army exemptions continue to rise, and non-Haredi community is often resentful of the government stipends and handouts the Haredim receive. Many in the secular community are also not happy with the influential role religion continues to play in the daily lives of Israelis; the Haredim, in contrast, are uneasy with what they view as the secularization of Israeli society and the Westernization of Judasim.
Conservative and Reform
The Conservative and Reform movements have small, but growing, followings in Israel. The movements were not founded in Israel, and as such, adherents are generally immigrants who were Conservative or Reform prior to making Aliyah.
Christian Communities
Christianity in Israel reaches back to the days of Jesus of Nazareth, who lived, ministered, and died in Israel. Ironically, though Christianity was founded in Israel, of the three Abrahamic religions represented in Israel, Christianity is the smallest, representing about 2% of Israel's population, approximately 150,000 people. Read more »
Religions in the Holy LandChristian Communities
Christianity in Israel reaches back to the days of Jesus of Nazareth, who lived, ministered, and died in Israel. Ironically, though Christianity was founded in Israel, of the three Abrahamic religions represented in Israel, Christianity is the smallest, representing about 2% of Israel's population, approximately 150,000 people.
The small size of the community is partly due to the rise of Islam, which displaced Christianity during the Middle Ages, and to the tremendous influx of Jews who immigrated in the 20th century and dominated the religious demographics. Most Christians who live in Israel are Israeli Arabs, though their demographics, such as birth rate and age for marriage, are more similar to that of the Jewish communities. However, despite the small percentage, Israel remains the only country in the Middle East where the Christian population has grown. The largest Christian community is in Nazareth, home to 19,000 Christians. The majority of Israel's Christians are affiliated with the Greek Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches, though other denominations are represented as well.
Israel is closely intertwined with Christianity, and Christianity's holiest sites are dispersed throughout the country. The Church of the Annunciation (Nazareth), the Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem), and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem) are three of Christianity's holiest sites, and thousands of pilgrims flock to these churches every year. The Sea of Galilee, called the Kinneret in Hebrew, is where much of Jesus' ministry took place, and churches dotting the coast of the Kinneret and the surrounding towns commemorate the spots where His miracles occurred. Many of these churches are built over ancient Crusader sites, which in turn were built over ancient Byzantine churches. Many Christians, tourists and locals alike, want to experience walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, the path Jesus took from His condemnation to His crucifixion. Holy sites in Israel abound, and many of the ancient churches throughout the land are still active, and open for prayer.
The Eastern Orthodox Churches were established during the Byzantine (East Roman) Empire. These parishes are predominately Arabic speaking. Other churches which fall under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Orthodox Church are the Russian Orthodox Church and the Romanian Orthodox Church. Russian Christians had been visiting the Holy Land since the 11th century, and in 1858, the Russian Orthodox mission was established in Jerusalem. A mission representing the Romanian Orthodox Church was established in 1935, and consists of a community of monks and nuns residing in Jerusalem.
The Non-Chalcedonian Churches are Eastern churches that reject the concept of the dual nature of Jesus. Their doctrine states that Jesus is one, divine being. These churches include Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, and Syrian. The Armenians, who have their own quarter in the Old City, have an especially rich, and unfortunately, tragic, history. The Armenians, present in Jerusalem since the 5th century, had their own quarter since the time of the Crusades. Living under the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century, they grew in numbers, power, and prosperity. Over the next two hundred years, however, there were many incidents of massacres instigated by the Ottoman rulers against the Armenians, all over the Ottoman Empire. Toward the end of World War I, the Ottoman war minister, out of fear the Armenians would side with the Russians, began a systematic destruction of Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire. Their homes and property were confiscated; many Armenians were forced on a death march to a town in Syria. In total, between one and one-and-a-half million Armenians worldwide were systematically murdered during and just after World War I. Today, the Armenian Quarter has managed to rebuild itself into a small, but thriving, sector. The Cathedral of St. James, the Church of the Holy Arch Angels, and St. Savior's Monastery are all located in the Armenian Quarter and draw local Christians and tourists alike.
The Coptic Orthodox Church has its roots in Egypt, and the Coptic communities in Israel are centered in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has ties to Israel stretching back to the 4th century, when Ethiopians would embark on pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Today, the Church, in the Old City and West Jerusalem, consists of a few dozen monks and nuns. However, since the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and Ethiopia, pilgrimage to the Holy Land has increased. The Syrian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East. They still use Western Aramaic, the ancient Syrian language in their liturgy. Today, local church is headed by a bishop, and the community numbers around 2,000, mostly living in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The Crusader period marked the first time a Western Roman church was established in the Holy Land. Roman Catholic and Uniate Churches in Israel include the Latin Church of Jerusalem, which numbers around 20,000; the Maronite community in the Galilee, of Syrian origin, numbering around 6,700; the Greek Melkite Catholic Church; the Greek Catholic Diocese, which numbers around 50,000 in the Galilee and 3,000 in Jerusalem; the Armenian Catholic Church; the Coptic Catholic Church; and the Chaldean Catholic Church.
There are also Protestant communities in Israel, though Protestantism came much later to the Holy Land, in the 19th century. The Association of Baptist Churches has a total of ten churches and centers in Acre, Cana, Haifa, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Nazareth, Petah-Tikva, Kfar Yassif, Rama, and Turan. The membership numbers around 900 in total, mostly Arabic-speaking. A small Church of Scotland runs a church and hospice in Jerusalem and Tiberias; and the Church of God has a small community in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and the West Bank. There are three Protestant "kibbutzim" (agricultural settlements) as well: Kfar HaBaptistim, which, in addition to farming, runs conference facilities for other Protestant communities in the country; Nes Amim, founded in 1963 to promote Christian understanding of Israel; and Yad HaShmonah, which maintains a guest house for Christian pilgrims and visitors from Finland. The Protestant churches in particular have a history of being very supportive of Israel. Each year, large groups of Christian Evangelicals come on tours of the Holy Land, both to see the historical, sacred country for themselves, and to buoy the local economy.
In addition to these major Christian centers, there is also a small Mormon community, in Haifa and in Jerusalem. In 1980, the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem was founded to promote Christian support for Israel, and support for a united Jerusalem as its capital.
Christians in Israel are able to practice their religion freely, as stated in Israel's Declaration of Independence. In addition, Israel has pledged to protect the sites throughout the country which have religious significance to the three major religions.
The Franciscans, in particular, have a long history of protecting the holy Christian sites. In the 13th century, St. Francis met with the reigning Sultan, and began a series of dialogue which led to a gradual understanding between the two faiths. The Franciscans slowly began to settle near the Christian holy places, such as the Via Dolorosa, the Cenacle, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and Bethlehem. In the 14th century, the Pope declared the Franciscans the legal custodians and guardian of the Holy Land's sacred sites. The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land is in force even today.
Israel's Ministry of Religious Affairs refrains from interceding in the Christian religious community. Most Christian communities have maintained their autonomy. The government maintains a liaison to the Christian community, called the Department for Christian Communities, to which the minority Christians can turn. In certain Christian "recognized" communities, the courts have jurisdiction over matters such as marriage and divorce. The Israel Knesset Christian Allies Caucus was established in 2004 to help further improve the relationship and encourage dialogue between Christians and Jews.
The small size of the community is partly due to the rise of Islam, which displaced Christianity during the Middle Ages, and to the tremendous influx of Jews who immigrated in the 20th century and dominated the religious demographics. Most Christians who live in Israel are Israeli Arabs, though their demographics, such as birth rate and age for marriage, are more similar to that of the Jewish communities. However, despite the small percentage, Israel remains the only country in the Middle East where the Christian population has grown. The largest Christian community is in Nazareth, home to 19,000 Christians. The majority of Israel's Christians are affiliated with the Greek Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches, though other denominations are represented as well.
Israel is closely intertwined with Christianity, and Christianity's holiest sites are dispersed throughout the country. The Church of the Annunciation (Nazareth), the Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem), and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem) are three of Christianity's holiest sites, and thousands of pilgrims flock to these churches every year. The Sea of Galilee, called the Kinneret in Hebrew, is where much of Jesus' ministry took place, and churches dotting the coast of the Kinneret and the surrounding towns commemorate the spots where His miracles occurred. Many of these churches are built over ancient Crusader sites, which in turn were built over ancient Byzantine churches. Many Christians, tourists and locals alike, want to experience walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, the path Jesus took from His condemnation to His crucifixion. Holy sites in Israel abound, and many of the ancient churches throughout the land are still active, and open for prayer.
The Eastern Orthodox Churches were established during the Byzantine (East Roman) Empire. These parishes are predominately Arabic speaking. Other churches which fall under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Orthodox Church are the Russian Orthodox Church and the Romanian Orthodox Church. Russian Christians had been visiting the Holy Land since the 11th century, and in 1858, the Russian Orthodox mission was established in Jerusalem. A mission representing the Romanian Orthodox Church was established in 1935, and consists of a community of monks and nuns residing in Jerusalem.
The Non-Chalcedonian Churches are Eastern churches that reject the concept of the dual nature of Jesus. Their doctrine states that Jesus is one, divine being. These churches include Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, and Syrian. The Armenians, who have their own quarter in the Old City, have an especially rich, and unfortunately, tragic, history. The Armenians, present in Jerusalem since the 5th century, had their own quarter since the time of the Crusades. Living under the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century, they grew in numbers, power, and prosperity. Over the next two hundred years, however, there were many incidents of massacres instigated by the Ottoman rulers against the Armenians, all over the Ottoman Empire. Toward the end of World War I, the Ottoman war minister, out of fear the Armenians would side with the Russians, began a systematic destruction of Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire. Their homes and property were confiscated; many Armenians were forced on a death march to a town in Syria. In total, between one and one-and-a-half million Armenians worldwide were systematically murdered during and just after World War I. Today, the Armenian Quarter has managed to rebuild itself into a small, but thriving, sector. The Cathedral of St. James, the Church of the Holy Arch Angels, and St. Savior's Monastery are all located in the Armenian Quarter and draw local Christians and tourists alike.
The Coptic Orthodox Church has its roots in Egypt, and the Coptic communities in Israel are centered in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has ties to Israel stretching back to the 4th century, when Ethiopians would embark on pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Today, the Church, in the Old City and West Jerusalem, consists of a few dozen monks and nuns. However, since the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and Ethiopia, pilgrimage to the Holy Land has increased. The Syrian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East. They still use Western Aramaic, the ancient Syrian language in their liturgy. Today, local church is headed by a bishop, and the community numbers around 2,000, mostly living in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The Crusader period marked the first time a Western Roman church was established in the Holy Land. Roman Catholic and Uniate Churches in Israel include the Latin Church of Jerusalem, which numbers around 20,000; the Maronite community in the Galilee, of Syrian origin, numbering around 6,700; the Greek Melkite Catholic Church; the Greek Catholic Diocese, which numbers around 50,000 in the Galilee and 3,000 in Jerusalem; the Armenian Catholic Church; the Coptic Catholic Church; and the Chaldean Catholic Church.
There are also Protestant communities in Israel, though Protestantism came much later to the Holy Land, in the 19th century. The Association of Baptist Churches has a total of ten churches and centers in Acre, Cana, Haifa, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Nazareth, Petah-Tikva, Kfar Yassif, Rama, and Turan. The membership numbers around 900 in total, mostly Arabic-speaking. A small Church of Scotland runs a church and hospice in Jerusalem and Tiberias; and the Church of God has a small community in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and the West Bank. There are three Protestant "kibbutzim" (agricultural settlements) as well: Kfar HaBaptistim, which, in addition to farming, runs conference facilities for other Protestant communities in the country; Nes Amim, founded in 1963 to promote Christian understanding of Israel; and Yad HaShmonah, which maintains a guest house for Christian pilgrims and visitors from Finland. The Protestant churches in particular have a history of being very supportive of Israel. Each year, large groups of Christian Evangelicals come on tours of the Holy Land, both to see the historical, sacred country for themselves, and to buoy the local economy.
In addition to these major Christian centers, there is also a small Mormon community, in Haifa and in Jerusalem. In 1980, the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem was founded to promote Christian support for Israel, and support for a united Jerusalem as its capital.
Christians in Israel are able to practice their religion freely, as stated in Israel's Declaration of Independence. In addition, Israel has pledged to protect the sites throughout the country which have religious significance to the three major religions.
The Franciscans, in particular, have a long history of protecting the holy Christian sites. In the 13th century, St. Francis met with the reigning Sultan, and began a series of dialogue which led to a gradual understanding between the two faiths. The Franciscans slowly began to settle near the Christian holy places, such as the Via Dolorosa, the Cenacle, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and Bethlehem. In the 14th century, the Pope declared the Franciscans the legal custodians and guardian of the Holy Land's sacred sites. The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land is in force even today.
Israel's Ministry of Religious Affairs refrains from interceding in the Christian religious community. Most Christian communities have maintained their autonomy. The government maintains a liaison to the Christian community, called the Department for Christian Communities, to which the minority Christians can turn. In certain Christian "recognized" communities, the courts have jurisdiction over matters such as marriage and divorce. The Israel Knesset Christian Allies Caucus was established in 2004 to help further improve the relationship and encourage dialogue between Christians and Jews.
Druze Religion
The Druze community, more correctly known as the Muwahideen, number close to 120,000 in Israel. They live primarily in the Galilee and the Golan Heights, and are classified as a separate religious group, with their own courts and their own jurisdiction in matters such as marriage, divorce, and adoption. Read more »
Religions in the Holy LandDruze Religion
The Druze community, more correctly known as the Muwahideen, number close to 120,000 in Israel. They live primarily in the Galilee and the Golan Heights, and are classified as a separate religious group, with their own courts and their own jurisdiction in matters such as marriage, divorce, and adoption.
The Druze religion has its roots in Islam, but although some members consider themselves "Muslim," they have been recognized as a separate religion. During the reign of the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, in the 10th and 11th centuries, the Druze religion was formed, combining tenets of Islam with the philosophy of the Greek and Hindus. The Druze do not accept converts. They believe that anyone who wanted to join the religion had a chance to do so in the first generation after it was started, and that everyone who is alive today is reincarnated from a previous generation. Therefore, they concluded that people today already had their chance to join, centuries ago, and the religion has been closed to converts since 1050. Proselytizing is not allowed under Druze law.
The religion is heavily monotheistic, and has ties to the world's three main religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Their prophets include Moses, John the Baptist, Jesus and Mohammed. Their most revered religious figure is Jethro, father-in-law of Moses. A tomb built over his believed burial site, at the Horns of Hittin near the Kinneret, is a gathering place for members of the Druze faith, and every April, the Druze meet there to discuss matters pertaining to the community.
Despite a few holy sites which have become official gathering places for the Druze, the Druze generally spurn the concepts of ceremonies and rituals. There is no official liturgy or prayer book, no holy days or fast days, and no pilgrimages. They accept 'The Seven Precepts', which they believe are the essential components of the Pillars of Islam. The precepts, which form the core of Druze faith, include truthfulness in speech, belief in one God, protection of others, and the belief that every hour of every day is a time to reckon oneself before God. Druze believe that the various rituals and practices adopted by the three major faiths have turned those believers away from the "true faith."
The Druze are divided into two groups: al-Juhhal ("the ignorant") and al-Uqqal ("the knowledgeable"). Al-Juhhal represents the majority of Druze members, approximately 80% of the community, and is the "unlearned" group. They do not have access to the holy writings of the faith, do not attend the religious meetings, and in general are not expected to follow the ascetic rulings of the al-Uqqal. The al-Uqqal, in contrast, which includes both men and women, are the learned minority. Men and women adopt a more stringent dress code, and the spiritual leaders of the community arise from the most influential 5% of the al-Uqqal. The Druze forbid polygamy, along with the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and pork. Equality between men and women, in marriage and in religious life, is an important part of the Druze tradition. Women are encouraged to participate in daily prayer, can take part in religious ceremonies, and are able to initiate divorce.
The first Druze began settling in modern-day Lebanon and northern Israel centuries ago, and the largest Druze community in the Galilee is called Daliyat el-Carmel, situated on the Carmel Mountains. During the British Mandate, the Druze purposely kept out of the Arab-Israeli conflict; when the 1948 War broke out, the Druze fought on the side of Israel. A minority of Druze who live in the Golan Heights protested when the Israelis annexed the land from Syria, following the Six Day War. Few of them have accepted full Israeli citizenship, and remain Syrian citizens.
The rest of the Druze, however, are full members of Israeli society. The Druze have mainly found employment in the fields of social work, security services, and prison personnel. A new program has been started to help the Druze gain entry into Israel's lucrative high-tech sector. They have also become prominent members of the IDF and of the Knesset, where they hold a disproportionate number of seats relative to the size of their community. In addition to holding prominent military and political positions, the Druze are active in the realms of sports, media, the arts, and literature.
The Druze religion has its roots in Islam, but although some members consider themselves "Muslim," they have been recognized as a separate religion. During the reign of the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, in the 10th and 11th centuries, the Druze religion was formed, combining tenets of Islam with the philosophy of the Greek and Hindus. The Druze do not accept converts. They believe that anyone who wanted to join the religion had a chance to do so in the first generation after it was started, and that everyone who is alive today is reincarnated from a previous generation. Therefore, they concluded that people today already had their chance to join, centuries ago, and the religion has been closed to converts since 1050. Proselytizing is not allowed under Druze law.
The religion is heavily monotheistic, and has ties to the world's three main religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Their prophets include Moses, John the Baptist, Jesus and Mohammed. Their most revered religious figure is Jethro, father-in-law of Moses. A tomb built over his believed burial site, at the Horns of Hittin near the Kinneret, is a gathering place for members of the Druze faith, and every April, the Druze meet there to discuss matters pertaining to the community.
Despite a few holy sites which have become official gathering places for the Druze, the Druze generally spurn the concepts of ceremonies and rituals. There is no official liturgy or prayer book, no holy days or fast days, and no pilgrimages. They accept 'The Seven Precepts', which they believe are the essential components of the Pillars of Islam. The precepts, which form the core of Druze faith, include truthfulness in speech, belief in one God, protection of others, and the belief that every hour of every day is a time to reckon oneself before God. Druze believe that the various rituals and practices adopted by the three major faiths have turned those believers away from the "true faith."
The Druze are divided into two groups: al-Juhhal ("the ignorant") and al-Uqqal ("the knowledgeable"). Al-Juhhal represents the majority of Druze members, approximately 80% of the community, and is the "unlearned" group. They do not have access to the holy writings of the faith, do not attend the religious meetings, and in general are not expected to follow the ascetic rulings of the al-Uqqal. The al-Uqqal, in contrast, which includes both men and women, are the learned minority. Men and women adopt a more stringent dress code, and the spiritual leaders of the community arise from the most influential 5% of the al-Uqqal. The Druze forbid polygamy, along with the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and pork. Equality between men and women, in marriage and in religious life, is an important part of the Druze tradition. Women are encouraged to participate in daily prayer, can take part in religious ceremonies, and are able to initiate divorce.
The first Druze began settling in modern-day Lebanon and northern Israel centuries ago, and the largest Druze community in the Galilee is called Daliyat el-Carmel, situated on the Carmel Mountains. During the British Mandate, the Druze purposely kept out of the Arab-Israeli conflict; when the 1948 War broke out, the Druze fought on the side of Israel. A minority of Druze who live in the Golan Heights protested when the Israelis annexed the land from Syria, following the Six Day War. Few of them have accepted full Israeli citizenship, and remain Syrian citizens.
The rest of the Druze, however, are full members of Israeli society. The Druze have mainly found employment in the fields of social work, security services, and prison personnel. A new program has been started to help the Druze gain entry into Israel's lucrative high-tech sector. They have also become prominent members of the IDF and of the Knesset, where they hold a disproportionate number of seats relative to the size of their community. In addition to holding prominent military and political positions, the Druze are active in the realms of sports, media, the arts, and literature.
Muslims
Islam, one of the world's three monotheistic religions, is the predominant religion in the Middle East, though not in Israel. There are two distinct branches of Islam: Sunni, the larger branch, and Shi'a. The split came about during a succession dispute after the prophet Mohammed's death. Read more »
Religions in the Holy LandMuslims
Islam, one of the world's three monotheistic religions, is the predominant religion in the Middle East, though not in Israel. There are two distinct branches of Islam: Sunni, the larger branch, and Shi'a. The split came about during a succession dispute after the prophet Mohammed's death.
Israel's Muslim population is overwhelmingly Sunni, due to the Sunni Ottoman Turks who ruled the area for 200 years. There is a great disparity in the numbers between Muslims living in the disputed areas of the West Bank and Gaza, in contrast with Muslims living in the rest of Israel. The Muslim population is 75% of the West Bank population, a whopping 99% of the population of the Gaza Strip, and only 16% of Israel's population outside those areas.
Jerusalem is the third holiest city in the Muslim religion, after Mecca and Medina. According to Islamic tradition, Mohammed, the revered prophet of Islam, was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem one night. He traveled to a mosque in Jerusalem, usually identified as al-Aqsa Mosque, and spoke with earlier prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The al-Aqsa Mosque and the adjacent Dome of the Rock are two of the most sacred places in Islamic religion.
The majority of Israel's Muslims live in the Galilee, with smaller percentage in and near Jerusalem and in the Negev region. Most of the Negev Muslims are the Bedouin. The Bedouin, who migrated to Israel in the 7th century with the conquest of Islam, lived a nomadic lifestyle for many years, although recently they have become more sedentary. Most live in villages and have entered the work force.
Also included in the Muslim community are the Circassians, who come from the Caucauses region, and identify themselves as Sunni Muslim though their origin and background is distinct from the larger Islamic community. They number approximately 3,000, and participate fully in Israeli national affairs keeping their unique culture and identity; they do not assimilate into either Muslim or Jewish society.
Israel's Muslim population is overwhelmingly Sunni, due to the Sunni Ottoman Turks who ruled the area for 200 years. There is a great disparity in the numbers between Muslims living in the disputed areas of the West Bank and Gaza, in contrast with Muslims living in the rest of Israel. The Muslim population is 75% of the West Bank population, a whopping 99% of the population of the Gaza Strip, and only 16% of Israel's population outside those areas.
Jerusalem is the third holiest city in the Muslim religion, after Mecca and Medina. According to Islamic tradition, Mohammed, the revered prophet of Islam, was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem one night. He traveled to a mosque in Jerusalem, usually identified as al-Aqsa Mosque, and spoke with earlier prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The al-Aqsa Mosque and the adjacent Dome of the Rock are two of the most sacred places in Islamic religion.
The majority of Israel's Muslims live in the Galilee, with smaller percentage in and near Jerusalem and in the Negev region. Most of the Negev Muslims are the Bedouin. The Bedouin, who migrated to Israel in the 7th century with the conquest of Islam, lived a nomadic lifestyle for many years, although recently they have become more sedentary. Most live in villages and have entered the work force.
Also included in the Muslim community are the Circassians, who come from the Caucauses region, and identify themselves as Sunni Muslim though their origin and background is distinct from the larger Islamic community. They number approximately 3,000, and participate fully in Israeli national affairs keeping their unique culture and identity; they do not assimilate into either Muslim or Jewish society.
Bahai Faith
The Baha'i faith is a relatively young religion, started in 19th century Persia (modern-day Iran), and there are approximately 5 million Baha'i followers living in communities around the world. The Baha'i faith is monotheistic, and their holy prophets include central figures of the world's major religions, including Abraham, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed. Read more »
Religions in the Holy LandBaha'i Faith
The Baha'i faith is a relatively young religion, started in 19th century Persia (modern-day Iran), and there are approximately 5 million Baha'i followers living in communities around the world. The Baha'i faith is monotheistic, and their holy prophets include central figures of the world's major religions, including Abraham, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed.
In 1844, Siyyid Ali-Muhammed, a man living in Persia, called himself the "Bab"—the Arabic word for "gate"—and announced that he was a messenger and a "gateway" to God for those who followed him. The followers of the Bab were called Babis, and Babism is considered the forerunner of the Baha'i faith. As his teachings spread, the Bab ran into conflict with the ruling Muslim authority, which saw his influence as a threat to Islam. The Bab was persecuted and tortured, and eventually executed in 1850. One of the most loyal followers of the Bab was Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri from Tehran, who devoted himself to furthering the teachings of the Bab. Because of his involvement with this faith, he was imprisoned; during his incarceration, legend tells that he received a vision that he was the one to carry on the faith, and he took on the name Bahaullah, which translates to "the glory of God."
After his release from prison, Bahaullah was exiled from Tehran to Baghdad. In 1863, during his years as an exile, Bahaullah revealed himself as the Messenger of God. Eventually, his exile brought him to Acre, Israel, then part of the Ottoman Empire. Although he was officially there as a prisoner of the Empire, he was eventually allowed a measure of freedom and lived in his own home. During his lifetime, Bahaullah wrote prolifically, setting down the tenets for the religion. His book Kitab-I-Aqdas (Persian for "Most Holy Book") is considered a major theological work. Bahaullah died in Acre in 1892, and his resting place at Bahji ("delight") is the holiest site in Baha'i faith, the site toward which members of the faith turn when they are praying.
Bahaullah's son, Abdul-Baha, was charged with continuing his father's work. Following his father's instructions, he arranged to have the Bab's remains moved from Persia to Mount Carmel. Starting in 1911, Abdul-Baha traveled extensively around the world, helping to spread the Baha'i faith. The last hereditary leader of the Baha'i faith, Shoghi Effendi, grandson of Abdul-Baha, became a "Guardian of the Faith" and developed the administrative rules of the Baha'i faith. He translated Baha'i texts, developed the Baha'i World Center, and created the Universal House of Justice, which, after his death in 1957, became the ultimate interpreter of the Baha'i faith and interpreter of its laws.
Bahai tenets include the underlying message of the unity—unity of God, of religion, and of mankind. They also believe strongly in the equality of women in society, of the importance of science and education, and the elimination of prejudice worldwide.
Two of the Baha'i's most important shrines are located in Israel, and they also serve as the Baha'i World Center. Baha'i followers pilgrimage to the Mansion of the Bahji, also known as the Bahai Gardens in Akko (Acre). The Bahji is final resting place of Bahaullah, and the building where he is buried is known as the Shrine of Bahaullah. The grounds are adorned with beautiful gardens, which form a circle around the shrine, encouraging contemplation for those walking the path. The Baha'i Gardens in Haifa, where the Shrine of the Bab is located, are comprised of nineteen terraced gardens, leading up the slope of Mt. Carmel. This dramatic pathway leads visitors to the shrine, the highlight of which is the striking gold dome which can be seen for miles. Inside the shrine, prayer and meditation are encouraged, though no formal prayer service is held there.
The Shrine of the Bab is one of the most recognized and visited landmarks in Israel. The peaceful gardens and impressive shrine bring in many pilgrims every year, as well as tourists of all faiths. Despite the importance of these Israeli landmarks in the Baha'i faith, there is no Baha'i community in Israel. The only Baha'i residents of Israel are the volunteer workers at the sites. Bahaullah left explicit instructions that spreading the faith and accepting converts was forbidden in a land where such preaching might be controversial. The absence of proselytizing, the tremendous income generated by the holy shrines, and the Baha'i edict of loyalty to whatever government is in power in their land have forged a very positive relationship between the Baha'i faith and the Israeli government.
In 1844, Siyyid Ali-Muhammed, a man living in Persia, called himself the "Bab"—the Arabic word for "gate"—and announced that he was a messenger and a "gateway" to God for those who followed him. The followers of the Bab were called Babis, and Babism is considered the forerunner of the Baha'i faith. As his teachings spread, the Bab ran into conflict with the ruling Muslim authority, which saw his influence as a threat to Islam. The Bab was persecuted and tortured, and eventually executed in 1850. One of the most loyal followers of the Bab was Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri from Tehran, who devoted himself to furthering the teachings of the Bab. Because of his involvement with this faith, he was imprisoned; during his incarceration, legend tells that he received a vision that he was the one to carry on the faith, and he took on the name Bahaullah, which translates to "the glory of God."
After his release from prison, Bahaullah was exiled from Tehran to Baghdad. In 1863, during his years as an exile, Bahaullah revealed himself as the Messenger of God. Eventually, his exile brought him to Acre, Israel, then part of the Ottoman Empire. Although he was officially there as a prisoner of the Empire, he was eventually allowed a measure of freedom and lived in his own home. During his lifetime, Bahaullah wrote prolifically, setting down the tenets for the religion. His book Kitab-I-Aqdas (Persian for "Most Holy Book") is considered a major theological work. Bahaullah died in Acre in 1892, and his resting place at Bahji ("delight") is the holiest site in Baha'i faith, the site toward which members of the faith turn when they are praying.
Bahaullah's son, Abdul-Baha, was charged with continuing his father's work. Following his father's instructions, he arranged to have the Bab's remains moved from Persia to Mount Carmel. Starting in 1911, Abdul-Baha traveled extensively around the world, helping to spread the Baha'i faith. The last hereditary leader of the Baha'i faith, Shoghi Effendi, grandson of Abdul-Baha, became a "Guardian of the Faith" and developed the administrative rules of the Baha'i faith. He translated Baha'i texts, developed the Baha'i World Center, and created the Universal House of Justice, which, after his death in 1957, became the ultimate interpreter of the Baha'i faith and interpreter of its laws.
Bahai tenets include the underlying message of the unity—unity of God, of religion, and of mankind. They also believe strongly in the equality of women in society, of the importance of science and education, and the elimination of prejudice worldwide.
Two of the Baha'i's most important shrines are located in Israel, and they also serve as the Baha'i World Center. Baha'i followers pilgrimage to the Mansion of the Bahji, also known as the Bahai Gardens in Akko (Acre). The Bahji is final resting place of Bahaullah, and the building where he is buried is known as the Shrine of Bahaullah. The grounds are adorned with beautiful gardens, which form a circle around the shrine, encouraging contemplation for those walking the path. The Baha'i Gardens in Haifa, where the Shrine of the Bab is located, are comprised of nineteen terraced gardens, leading up the slope of Mt. Carmel. This dramatic pathway leads visitors to the shrine, the highlight of which is the striking gold dome which can be seen for miles. Inside the shrine, prayer and meditation are encouraged, though no formal prayer service is held there.
The Shrine of the Bab is one of the most recognized and visited landmarks in Israel. The peaceful gardens and impressive shrine bring in many pilgrims every year, as well as tourists of all faiths. Despite the importance of these Israeli landmarks in the Baha'i faith, there is no Baha'i community in Israel. The only Baha'i residents of Israel are the volunteer workers at the sites. Bahaullah left explicit instructions that spreading the faith and accepting converts was forbidden in a land where such preaching might be controversial. The absence of proselytizing, the tremendous income generated by the holy shrines, and the Baha'i edict of loyalty to whatever government is in power in their land have forged a very positive relationship between the Baha'i faith and the Israeli government.
No comments:
Post a Comment