The Mir Rabbinical College, Jerusalem. Most of the rabbinical college students looked up from their Torah books, casting curious glances at the secular visitor. The others showed no interest at all in the unusual guest walking through the spacious study hall. A deafening noise filled the air. Hundreds of voices mingling with each other lent the place the feel of an overcrowded Hyde Park parley. Everyone was talking and arguing and shouting over some issue or interpretation of the Talmudic tractate under discussion. Some of the students sat, while others stood. Some listened, while their mates made theatrical gestures, trying to make a point.

Recent political events far from herald good news for the ultra-Orthodox community, so there seems to be no cause for celebration there. For the first time in decades, a coalition government has been established on the strength of several secular parties and a single religious party. The ultra-Orthodox parties were sent into the political wilderness, deeply frustrated.

The new Israel has issued the word, calling on the ultra-Orthodox community to share equally in the burden. Draft dodging will no longer be tolerated. No more state funds will be granted in exchange for nothing. Preferential treatment will no longer be granted to rabbinical college students.

The 2013 election revolved around two key issues: social justice and equal sharing of the burden. The ultra-Orthodox were perceived by the public at-large as slipping under the radar, evading the civilian duties that bind their fellow citizens. Thus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, against his will and contrary to his political inclination, was forced to part with the ultra-Orthodox parties in favor of new partners, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and HaBayit HaYehudi chairperson Naftali Bennett, who experienced baptisms of fire in the 2013 election.