Dr. Mordy Miller
Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism
My life before BGU:
I was born and raised in Jerusalem and educated within the religious-Zionist ultra-Orthodox school system. I completed my undergraduate degree in General Philosophy and Jewish Studies at the Shalem Academic Center. I studied for my MA in Jewish thought at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where I was a Mandel Scholar and wrote my thesis under the supervision of Prof. Avishai Bar-Asher on perceptions of converts in the Zoharic literature.
I earned my PhD in Jewish Thought at BGU. My dissertation, supervised by Prof. Boaz Huss and Prof. Tzahi Weiss, explored the intersections between Kabbalistic thought and political ideology in contemporary Israel.
I later held postdoctoral positions at the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies at Brandeis University and at BGU. I declined a postdoctoral fellowship at the Safra Center for Ethics (Faculty of Law) at Tel Aviv University after being offered a faculty position at the Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism.
Why BGU?
The Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism is one of the world’s leading centers in these fields, areas that are especially vital and relevant today. The Institute brings together researchers from diverse disciplines who collectively create a remarkable mosaic of high-quality research, intellectual sharpness, and generosity of spirit.
The sense of collegiality, academic excellence, social engagement, and the sheer richness and scope of research at the Institute drew me here. I feel truly fortunate and privileged to be part of this community.
My research:
My work focuses on the relationship between religion and politics in contemporary Israel. Specifically, the news that people consume and the content they encounter on social media form the raw material for my research.
I study Jewish Orthodox leaders and their communities, and the ways in which they seek to influence Israeli society and the state. I ask: What texts, traditions, and beliefs underpin their activities? What interpretive language do they use to frame history and current events? How do they aim to affect social and political reality?
I also explore whether there is a gap between the narratives they tell internally and those they present externally. Can we identify internal disagreements or ideological and practical shifts over time — and if so, how might we explain them?
In addition, I examine the influence communities have over their leadership: How are religious leaders shaped by their followers, by society, by events, or by the information accessible to them? How do technology and, in particular, artificial intelligence, shape both their messages and the ways these messages spread?
One of the most significant challenges in studying the present is maintaining a balance between insider and outsider perspectives when approaching my subjects. I aim to depict as complex and comprehensive a picture as possible.
On the one hand, I strive to understand my subjects as they understand themselves, their inner language, motivations, and self-perceptions. This requires intimacy, careful listening, and a measure of intellectual humility and flexibility. On the other hand, I complement this empathetic view with critical analysis, seeking alternative explanations to those my subjects offer.
As an external observer, I can identify many patterns, influences, and contexts that insiders may overlook. Shifting dynamically and continuously between internal and external perspectives is challenging—but ultimately, deeply rewarding.
An insight from my research:
The insight I wish to share extends beyond any particular field of study; it concerns the researcher’s mindset. I believe scholars should approach one another with compassion. No matter how meticulous or thorough our work, mistakes are inevitable.
Hence, when encountering flawed research, we should recall: “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and “What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow.” This doesn’t mean ignoring flaws—it means offering criticism with empathy, fairness, and humanity.
Integrity is essential, both in research itself and in our scholarly environment. Academia has the potential to be a beacon of wisdom and of humanity — an influence for good on society as a whole.
Something that doesn’t appear on my CV:
While living in Singapore, I was asked by the Chief Rabbi to represent Judaism (no less!) at interfaith events. This led to some remarkable experiences: appearing on a popular television program in filmed discussions with religious figures; lecturing alongside leaders from Taoism, Buddhism, Jainism, the Baháʼí faith, Sikhism, and others; meeting the Deputy Prime Minister; and even serving on an expert panel convened by the Singaporean Ministry of Communications to discuss religion and artificial intelligence.
The interfaith field I was suddenly “thrown into” turned out to be fascinating and profound. I argue that in times of stability, Israel could learn from Singapore’s interfaith model (“top-down”), whereas in times of crisis, Israel has much to offer to Singapore’s approach (“bottom-up”).
A source of inspiration:
Recently I read Orech Yamim (Length of Days) by Assael Abelman — a “new vessel filled with old wine.” It’s a profound, delicate, and moving work that journeys through the depths of Jewish history — its longing, pain, and hope.
Another favorite of mine is Niels Lyhne by the Danish author Jens Peter Jacobsen (incidentally, I wrote the Hebrew Wikipedia entry on Jacobsen).
If I wasn’t a researcher, I would be…
An actor. That’s a childhood dream still tucked away, perhaps one day I’ll find a way to fulfill it.
In brief:
- Careful planning or spontaneity? Careful planning. Still, spontaneity is a wonderful trait, especially when meticulous plans go awry. I tend to tackle tasks at the last minute, but that too is part of a deliberate plan: I know what I can achieve under pressure (though, admittedly, sometimes I push it too far).
- Morning or night? Night. The star-filled sky has always captivated me. The deeper one ventures into infinity, the greater the awe, and the fear.
- Summer or winter? Winter. The cold energizes me. As a Jerusalem native, I’ve always loved the city’s crisp night air.
- Steak or tofu? Steak. Please forgive the cliché, but preferably accompanied by red wine or whisky.
- Instant coffee or espresso? Americano.
- Car or train? Train. It’s an exceptional anthropological opportunity. In research, we speak of the “method of walking”; many of our best insights emerge through movement and encounters with the world.
- Classical Europe or the Far East? Until recently, I lived for three years in Singapore—a country that blends East and West.
- City or country? Until recently, I would have said city. But since joining the University and moving to Lehavim, I’ve discovered what I was missing in village life.
- Movie at the cinema or Netflix binge? “The method of walking.” I’m a bit of a killjoy at the cinema, easily irritated by distractions and noise.
- Text or call? Texts, and even better, voice messages. I believe that phone calls should be reserved for emergencies.
- Dog or cat? Rabbit. I have two in my yard — adorable, sensitive creatures I can’t praise enough.
