Between forgiveness and repentance: The performative Judaism of the High Holidays | Opinion

An opinion piece by Chen Artzi Seror, published on ynet on September 18, 2026, examines the gap between Israel's public culture of Selichot (penitential prayers) and the absence of genuine repentance—acknowledgment of sin, remorse, and taking responsibility. The author analyzes the Israelization of Selichot, comparing the Sephardic version, which offers catchy songs and uplifting 'mass singing,' to the Ashkenazi Selichot, which focus on silent confession and solemnity. She argues that the Israeli mainstream has chosen forgiveness over repentance, citing Shas's campaign showing a car blocking a sidewalk with a note 'Inspector forgive me, I'm at Selichot' under the slogan 'I have chosen the way of faith – Shas.' She also criticizes the Religious Zionism campaign published during the Ten Days of Repentance, featuring an AI video where Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara are dragged through the streets. The author notes that three years have passed since the great disaster in our history (October 7), yet no investigative committee has been established and no one has taken responsibility. She calls for a return to the fundamental commandment 'Your deeds will bring you closer and your deeds will distance you.'

An opinion piece by Chen Artzi Seror, published on ynet on September 18, 2026, examines the gap between Israel's public culture of Selichot (penitential prayers) and the absence of genuine repentance—acknowledgment of sin, remorse, and taking responsibility. The author analyzes the Israelization of Selichot, comparing the Sephardic version, which offers catchy songs and uplifting 'mass singing,' to the Ashkenazi Selichot, which focus on silent confession and solemnity. She argues that the Israeli mainstream has chosen forgiveness over repentance, citing Shas's campaign showing a car blocking a sidewalk with a note 'Inspector forgive me, I'm at Selichot' under the slogan 'I have chosen the way of faith – Shas.' She also criticizes the Religious Zionism campaign published during the Ten Days of Repentance, featuring an AI video where Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara are dragged through the streets. The author notes that three years have passed since the great disaster in our history (October 7), yet no investigative committee has been established and no one has taken responsibility. She calls for a return to the fundamental commandment 'Your deeds will bring you closer and your deeds will distance you.'

Between forgiveness and repentance: The performative Judaism of the High Holidays | Opinion