Book review: Young men in Israeli Haredi yeshiva education

"Young Men in Israeli Haredi Yeshiva Education: The Scholars’ Enclave in Unrest." Yohai Hakak. Brill Academic. November 2012. --- By looking at the case of Lithuanian yeshivas in Israel, Yohai Hakak’s book explores the internal tensions and dynamics of religious orders during a stage of a relative ‘loss of charisma’, in which the enthusiasm of the founding generation has diminished. It is the first study to include participant observations conducted within these institutions, which are the sacred heart of this segregated and highly religious community. A worthwhile and fascinating read for individuals with diverse academic backgrounds and interests, from gender studies, to social work, to comparative religion, writes Ilana Rothkopf.