Knesset passes Basic Law enshrining Torah study as fundamental state value

The law could strengthen the legal standing of Torah students against claims of inequality before the High Court of Justice.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The Knesset passed the Basic Law: Torah Study in its second and third readings on Monday evening, enshrining Torah study as a fundamental value of the state as coalition and ultra-Orthodox parties seek to strengthen the legal position of yeshiva students and advance a future military service exemption law.

The legislation passed by a 63-52 vote. Submitted by Degel HaTorah Chairman MK Moshe Gafni, the new Basic Law states that “Torah study is a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and in the State of Israel.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not participate in the vote. Likud lawmakers Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz voted against the law, while the opposition strongly opposed the measure.

Coalition and ultra-Orthodox parties view the legislation as an important step toward a future law exempting yeshiva students from military service.

They also believe it could strengthen the legal standing of Torah students against claims of inequality before the High Court of Justice.

The legislation was softened following comments from the Knesset’s legal advisers.

An earlier formulation would have required the value of Torah study to be balanced against other constitutional values.

The final version instead establishes Torah study as a fundamental value.

“Today, a historic step was taken in the State of Israel,” Gafni said. “For thousands of years, Torah study was the force that preserved the Jewish people throughout all its diasporas and in every generation.”

Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri called the vote a historic victory for the Torah world.

“For the first time, the Jewish state recognizes the supreme value of the holy Torah and the status of those who study it,” Deri said. “The Torah is the foundation of the identity of the Jewish people.”

MK Yaakov Asher said Torah study is a way of life for the ultra-Orthodox community rather than simply a right or a tradition.

“The Torah is the source of our existence, our identity and our strength,” Asher said, describing yeshivas and study halls as institutions that preserved Jewish continuity through generations.