Types of law

There are various concurrent types of law in Israel:

• Torah law
  Traditional Jewish Halacha. It often conflicts with State law

  Masses

  When Jews were expelled from Gush Katif, it seemed to be acceptable for many groups to advocate a rebellion against State law

  Personal custom

  Ethnic customs

  Religious leaders

  They sometimes issue conflicting laws

  Troublemakers

  Then again, we've had troublemakers ever since the erev rav left Egypt

Civil law

Our attitude towards civil law differs from your attitude towards the law.

This may be a result of our living in the Middle East. Our neighbors have a very liberal attitude towards the law.

Please note that this page reflects the situation without justifying or advocating these legal realities.

An Israeli law is not a sine qua non. Laws are considered to be interesting and quaint issues, to be performed by good people.

Thus, a rule that forbids jaywalking is considered to be a fine recommendation, to be followed if convenient. However, it can be ignored for good reason, such as the fact that you are late for an appointment, or the friend who is waiting for you across the street.

Similarly, a stop sign is a recommendation or a suggestion.

The law encourages people to give the right of way to a vehicle on your right in a traffic circle. Again, there's no reason to do so if you are in a hurry. If there's a problem, then you can fight it out on the road.

Violators can "work things out" with a policeman or a judge. Those who know the system, who have protektzia, or who can work things out, are able to survive better than those who don't.

Do immigrants from Western countries become acclimated to this new reality?

Some do and some don't.

Those who learn the new ways are admired. They are on their way to being real Israelis. Israelis jeer at Chutzniks (foreigners): "Oh, how many years are you here?" and "You still don't jaywalk?"

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