I've flown El Al. But it was years ago when I was 16. I remember some Hasidim on the plane, but I don't remember them getting special treatment. By the way, there is a difference between being Orthodox and Hasidim. Hasidim are eastern European Jews entrenched in the the 18th century. Their clothing and mannerism are very similar to the extreme protestantism of the Amish. Also from Germany. Must be the water in Germany, LOL! It's more of a cult following. They are followers of a particular rabbi. I'm Orthodox too, but I'm western European and totally different in culture.
By the way, when I flew there (at 16) they still had tough security. I remember being targeted. I was singled out from the usual group of people trying get on the plane. I later found out the lone, single young women got extra security examination because sometimes a "boyfriend" will hand over a suitcase with a bomb on it to the lone girlfriend. As in the Pan Am Lockerbie bombing. Talk about being profiled!
I also got pulled to the side by Israeli security in Tel Aviv. I'm not sure why, I think my Belarusian visa caused suspicion. They did not understand where the visa was from and asked me a lot of questions about it. Then, they moved me to a separate room and every single item was taken out of my carry on and checked bags, a magic wand was waved over all the items, and then I was asked all kinds of questions about past travel. Btw, how can you tell the difference between a Hasidic and Orthodox Jew? Do they wear different hats or clothes?
Hasidim wear the same long coat and hat that was the fashion during during the late 1700's in the area of Russia/Polish border. They are followers of a particular Rabbi. I mean, all a Jewish man (or woman) that are Orthodox wear clothing to be modest. Longer skirts, elbow length sleeves (or longer). Men must cover their heads all the time. Inside or outside of prayer. They might thing of God when they are not praying.That's why the Pope wears a Yamaka. Married women too. Single women can go around outside without any covering. Same thing with Islamic men and women. The exception, Islamic unmarried women still have to have a head covering. Again the reason is be be modest, plus a head covering shows your respect for God. Hair is sexual. It has always been that way. Monotheistic God is asexual. It has no place in worship, only in marriage. Even though Marriage is secular in Judaism and Islam. Only in Christianity, is marriage a sacrament.
Interesting, thanks. I asked because there were some men in Jerusalem wearing huge, furry hats (not the traditional black ones), and I thought they must belong to a particular branch of Judaism. I don't know how they wear such garments in the blazing desert sun and heat!
If you were traveling alone (and female) they will pull you over. It send out a red flag. I think it's a little more then just a Belarusian visa. That's the way it is.
I have many Jewish friends in America, but none of them are Orthodox. So, it was really eye opening for me when I went to Jerusalem to see how things work in reality. I never knew that gender lines were so clearly drawn in Judaism. I've been to several synagogues in the States, and none separate the congregation on the basis of gender. Men and men are intermingled.
Hasidim gives a bad view of Judaism to tell you the truth. America is different. We have reform (the most "liberal") Conservative (in the middle) and Orthodox. Many Jews assimilate. So is Israeli society. Most Israelis think of being Jewish as a ethnicity and they can be atheist and be Jewish at the same time. I'm Orthodox, but I think of being Jewish as an ethnicity. In Israel it's left over from Russian Jews. Many of them were socialist. The church being the enemy back there in Russia. But in a religious world, yes. Like Islam, men and women live in a separate (but equal) world.
It's still free within the religion. You can be what you want to be. A doctor, an Astronaut, etc. A poet, a singer. An actor. Doesn't make any difference if you're male or female. Education always comes first. Judaism is very relaxed. Up until the middle ages, you could get married by declaring you were married. The church fixed that. Afterwards a Rabbi was forced to do the ceremony. Up until then, marriage was beneath a Rabbi. Judaism allows abortion and birth control. Divorce is easy to get. I mean, how many other religions allow that? It's quite liberal to tell you the truth. Yes, men dance with men, women with women. And in worship. But that's ceremonial. Underneath it all, we are all together.
I'm a bit anti-religious to be honest. This is do to my upbringing in a conservative Christian school, where I felt many people were close-minded and judgmental. So, perhaps I don't always see things with the clearest mind when it comes to religious sects. Your insight with Judaism has been very helpful in my Israel posts. I still have one more to publish, about all the religious sites in Jerusalem. Please feel free to correct my text if I make errors or misstatements about the religion or religious sites I'll discuss in the post. I'll probably publish it on Saturday.
I've flown El Al. But it was years ago when I was 16. I remember some Hasidim on the plane, but I don't remember them getting special treatment. By the way, there is a difference between being Orthodox and Hasidim. Hasidim are eastern European Jews entrenched in the the 18th century. Their clothing and mannerism are very similar to the extreme protestantism of the Amish. Also from Germany. Must be the water in Germany, LOL! It's more of a cult following. They are followers of a particular rabbi. I'm Orthodox too, but I'm western European and totally different in culture.
By the way, when I flew there (at 16) they still had tough security. I remember being targeted. I was singled out from the usual group of people trying get on the plane. I later found out the lone, single young women got extra security examination because sometimes a "boyfriend" will hand over a suitcase with a bomb on it to the lone girlfriend. As in the Pan Am Lockerbie bombing. Talk about being profiled!
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