Hello! Judaism belongs to me too

Ruth Elbaz, a former religious woman, argues that in recent years Judaism has been presented only in a conservative and rigid manner, excluding pluralistic and egalitarian approaches. She calls for recognition that Judaism belongs to all streams, and cites the disputes between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai as evidence that disagreement is part of Judaism.

Ruth Elbaz, a former religious woman (datlashit), argues in an opinion piece that in recent years Judaism has been presented in a one-dimensional way as conservative, rigid, and non-inclusive. According to her, an equation has been created where the stricter a person is, the more Jewish they are considered, while those who speak about equality, pluralism, or acceptance of others are seen as fighting against Judaism. Elbaz notes that since October 7, this struggle has intensified, and Judaism is perceived through conflict, stones on Shabbat, segregation, and expulsion. She calls for recognition that Judaism belongs to all streams—secular, religious, traditional, and ultra-Orthodox—and mentions the disputes between Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai, about which it is said "these and those are the words of the living God," as evidence that disagreement is part of Judaism and not a threat to it. The article concludes with a call to recognize that no one has ownership over Judaism.