Politics, alienation and the consolidation of group identity: The case of synagogue pamphlets

The growing popularity of synagogue pamphlets in Israel is a result of increased alienation of the religious community from mainstream secular institutions, and especially secular media. Synagogue pamphlets oppose secular and liberal hegemony by providing alternative interpretations of current events, solidifying group identity, defining the boundaries of the community, and boosting the religious community's self image. The implications of this phenomenon to the fabric of Israeli society are discussed.