Leftist? This U.S. Orthodox Rabbi Speaking Against the Israeli Government Prefers 'Realist'
By: Etan Nechin
Ha’aretz, March 27, 2025
Rabbi Yosef Blau, a prominent U.S. Orthodox figure, has surprised his peers by agreeing to speak at a first-of-its-kind gathering of religious peaceniks in New York. In an interview, the 86-year-old says that right-wing Diaspora Jews defending Israel 'don't know what's going on'
This Sunday, the Big Apple will host a first-of-its-kind gathering of an unconventional group of Orthodox Jews: proud leftists.
How many could there be? The organizers clearly did not have great expectations, so originally, they reserved a modest-sized hall for this launching event of the U.S. chapter of Smol Emuni ("Religious Left"). After all, Orthodox Jews in America tend to be right wing. But much to their delight, the event was sold out, forcing them to move to a much larger venue.
The conference is being billed as an opportunity "to express a moral voice, rooted in Jewish tradition and ethics, which has been missing from our American and Israeli Jewish discourse."
The speaker list includes guests from Israel, including Mikhael Manekin, a prominent anti-occupation activist, He is also one of the driving forces behind Smol Emuni in Israel, which was launched a little over two years ago.
But by far, the most surprising name to appear on the speaker list is that of Rabbi Yosef Blau, the longtime mashgiach ruchani (spiritual adviser) of Yeshiva University and former president of the Religious Zionists of America. This 86-year-old rabbi, in many senses, epitomizes Modern Orthodox establishment in America.
"My son wondered why I'm putting myself in a controversial position at this stage of life," he says in an interview with Haaretz. "I told him that at this stage, I can afford to be more controversial."
Photo: Gili Getz
