Believer with Reza Aslan Season 1 Episode 6 Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel

Believer with Reza Aslan is a documentary series that explores the different beliefs and practices of various religious groups around the world. In season 1 episode 6, Reza Aslan delves into the world of Ultra-Orthodox Judaism in Israel.

Ultra-Orthodox Judaism is a branch of Judaism that embraces a strict interpretation of the Torah and traditional Jewish law. They believe in living a life of intense religious devotion, following the commandments set forth in the Torah, and upholding the traditions of their ancestors. In Israel, this group of Jews makes up only about 10 percent of the population but they have a significant cultural influence and political power.

In this episode, Reza Aslan explores the lives of the Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel, delving into their unique customs, beliefs, and practices. He meets with several members of the community and learns about their daily routines, religious practices, and their quest to preserve their traditions in a rapidly changing world.

Reza Aslan begins his journey by visiting an Ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem, where he meets with Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum. Rabbi Grossbaum is a leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, which is a branch of Ultra-Orthodox Judaism. He explains to Reza the importance of community and tradition in Ultra-Orthodox life, and how they strive to maintain these values despite the challenges of modernity.

Reza then visits several Ultra-Orthodox schools, where he witnesses the strict gender segregation that is a hallmark of this community. Girls and boys attend separate schools, and women and men are separated in public spaces. Reza speaks with a group of teenage girls who explain how they feel empowered by their religious education and the support of their community.

Reza also explores the challenges that Ultra-Orthodox Jews face in modern society. He meets with a group of Ultra-Orthodox men who run a successful tech startup, but who must balance their religious obligations with the demands of their business. Reza also speaks with a woman who left the Ultra-Orthodox community and is now fighting for the rights of women in this community, including the right to participate fully in public life.

Throughout the episode, Reza Aslan raises important questions about the relationship between tradition and modernity, and the challenges that come with preserving ancient beliefs and practices in a rapidly changing world. He grapples with the tension between individual freedom and community values, and asks whether there is room for compromise.

Overall, Believer with Reza Aslan season 1 episode 6 offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Ultra-Orthodox Judaism in Israel. Through his conversations with members of the community, Reza Aslan provides insight into their unique beliefs, their challenges, and the ways in which they strive to maintain their traditions in a rapidly changing world.