Literally translating to “[one who] trembles [from the word of God],” from the Hebrew, Haredi refers to a member of any one of a number of Orthodox Jewish branches characterized by strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition, rejecting modern or secular interpretations of scripture.
The Haredim (plural) (also referred to as ultra-Orthodox) believe Jewish law and tradition remained unchanged since God revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Saini, and thus consider themselves the most reliable adherents to this ancient code and Judaism as a whole. Thus, they revere the Torah, both the Oral and Written law, as the central and determining factor in all aspects of life and ascribe great status to those who study it.
While the movement originated exclusively among Ashkenazi Jews in Europe in the 19th century, today Haredim primarily live in Israel, although Haredi communities do exist in parts of North America and Western Europe.
A Haredi is often the most distinguishable adherent to Judaism on account of his or her garments: The men don wide-brimmed black hats and suits, and the women dress in modest long skirts, stockings, and head coverings.
Haredi Jews typically live in communities with other Haredim, each community having its own synagogue. In Jerusalem, their main concentrations are in the neighborhoods of Bnei Brak and Mea Shearim. They follow the guidance of their rabbis on many decisions including where to live, whom to marry, and whom to vote for. They generally avoid contact with non-Haredim and non-Jews. In most Haredi families, the adult men devote themselves to studying the Torah, while adult women are the household’s sole earners. More recently, the Haredi in Israel have branched into upper-management business and the diamond industry. See also Hasid, Haredi, and Orthodox Jew.