Piety and Power

Examines the world of the "haredim" - the bearded, black-clothed Jewish fundamentalists. In Israel and in the major communities of the Diaspora, the "haredim" are achieving political power and economic success and, most significantly, have the desire and the ability to affect the lives of their fellow Jews. But the rise of the ultra-orthodox has also brought tensions that could mean conflict and schism among the Jewish people and a bitter battle for the soul of Israel. The author describes life in the self-contained ghettos in London, New York and Jerusalem, where hassidic rabbis reign supreme and strict rules govern every aspect of life, and explains the essentials of "haredi" belief.