What Do They Think of Us?

Binyamin Rose

In their heart of hearts, what do average secular Israelis really think about chareidim? At the same time, how does that same, average secular Israeli define his or her own Judaism? Those are some of the questions Mishpacha set out to answer when it embarked on a national, first-of-a-kind survey of the secular Israeli public. The results are eye-opening, in some cases startling, and the range of opinion is richly diverse.

Arafat’s Jew

Aharon Granot, Vingaker, Sweden

The Palestinian mob was out for blood as they surrounded a group of IDF soldiers at the tomb of Yosef Hatzaddik. That was until Samach Kanaan stepped out of the shadows and extricated the Israelis from certain death. Nearly two decades later, Mishpacha tracked down Kanaan — confidant of archterrorist Yasser Arafat — in a remote Swedish village, to hear the shocking story of a Palestinian terrorist born to a Jewish mother, who paid a heavy price for the holy spark ignited at the most unexpected moment.

Shul Survival Guide

Shira Isenberg

Some shuls lack members, while others desperately need a rabbi. Or maybe the building is too big or the style is not the right fit for the changing neighborhood. Regardless of the challenges they face, congregations that want to survive have found creative ways to keep their doors open and members satisfied.