Haredi portion of the religious Zionist Jewish community in Israel
Har Hamor Yeshiva - a renowned institution of the Hardal community
Hardal (also spelled Chardal; Hebrew: חרד״ל, acronym for חרדי לאומי Ḥaredi Le'umi, lit.'"Nationalist Haredi"', plural Hardalim) usually refers to the portion of the Religious ZionistJewish community in Israel which inclines significantly toward Haredi ideology (in terms of outlook on the secular world, or in their stringent khumra approach to Halakha). In their approach to the State of Israel, though, they are very much Zionist, and believe that Israel is Atchalta De'Geula.
Hardal Jews are also known as Torani (lit., "Torah-oriented"), or Torani-Leumi ("Torahic Nationalist").
On yeshiva.org.il, "Chardal" is described as, "The people who classify themselves as 'Charedi Leumi', or 'Chardal', try to keep the Mitzvot strictly, Kalah Kechamurah [light and weighty matters alike], while being involved in the national life in the state, and in the settling of Eretz Yisrael".[1] It has also been explained as the "Anglo Orthodox religious sector who follow a Charedi lifestyle, yet may also serve in the army in religious units, attend a Hesder yeshiva, and pursue a work career".[2] Yet another explanation is, "those connected to the seriousness of Torah learning and stricter observance of Jewish Law - like the Charedim - but who are Zionist and have a more positive view of the secular world and Israel, like the dati leumi camp".[3]
The term Hardal is sometimes used to refer to those coming from the Haredi world who join Nahal Haredi (the shortened army service for Yeshiva graduates) and continue to live within the broader Hardal world.[citation needed] It is also sometimes used for American yeshivish Jews who moved to Israel and support the state.[citation needed]
According to some sources, the term Hardal was created at a meeting of the youth group EZRA in 1990.[citation needed] (Ezra is the Poalei Agudah youth group associated with Torah im Derech Eretz.) In later years, the term Hardal became a group that actually started separating itself from the broader religious Zionist community in order to dedicate itself to leading a life dedicated to strict Jewish practice, without the influence of outside culture. There was emphasis placed on modesty in dress, and early marriage. Shlomo Aviner was a major ideologue for this group.[citation needed]
In recent years, it refers to those under the influence of Zvi Thau, who left Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav to found the more HardalicYeshivat Har Hamor.[citation needed] Thau rejects secular studies and secular influences. He is also against any academic influence on teachers colleges, rejecting the influence of modern educational psychology, and modern approaches to the study of the Bible. Those who follow this approach are called followers of Yeshivat HaKav - "Yeshivot that follow the line".
There are schools for both boys and girls located in Jerusalem, as well as in Ramat Beit Shemesh (Ahavat Yisrael). Their philosophy is, "To adhere to an open Haredi approach to Halakha and lifestyle, while at the same time leaving the possibility for army service and university studies as a goal".[4]
