State and Religion in Israel: A Philosophical-Legal Inquiry
Cambridge University Press, 1/10/2019
EAN 9781107150829, ISBN10: 1107150825
Hardcover, 320 pages, 23.7 x 15.8 x 2.2 cm
Language: English
State and Religion in Israel begins with a philosophical analysis of the two main questions regarding the role of religion in liberal states: should such states institute a 'Wall of Separation' between state and religion? Should they offer religious practices and religious communities special protection? Gideon Sapir and Daniel Statman argue that liberalism in not committed to Separation, but is committed to granting religion a unique protection, albeit a narrower one than often assumed. They then use Israel as a case study for their conclusions. Although Israel is defined as a Jewish state, its Jewish identity need not be interpreted religiously, requiring that it subjects itself to the dictates of Jewish law (Halakha). The authors test this view by critically examining important topics relevant to state and religion in Israel: marriage and divorce, the drafting of yeshiva students into the army, the character of the Sabbath and more.
Part I. Theory
1. Liberalism and neutrality(1)
arguments against support
2. Liberalism and neutrality(2)
arguments against preference
3. The assumed dangers of religion
4. Religious reasons for separation
5. Freedom of religion
6. Protection of religious feelings
7. Freedom from religion
8. Religious coercion
the place of religious arguments in the public sphere
Part II. From Theory to Practice
9. Marriage and divorce
10. Religious education
11. Serving religious needs
12. Drafting Yeshiva students into the army
13. The Sabbath in a Jewish state
14. The Supreme Court on the protection of and from religion
15. Minority religions in Israel.