An ultra-Orthodox Jew is a member of a group within Orthodox Judaism that is characterized by its strict adherence to halakha (Jewish law) and traditions, in opposition to modern values and practices. The term "ultra-Orthodox" is considered pejorative by many of its adherents, who prefer terms like strictly Orthodox or Haredi. The word “haredi” is a catchall term that covers a broad array of theologically, politically, and socially conservative Orthodox Jews, sometimes referred to as “ultra-Orthodox”. What unites Haredim is their absolute reverence for Torah, including both the Written and Oral Law, as the central and determining factor in all aspects of life. Hasidism, a movement that emerged in Eastern Europe in the mid-18th century, validated the simple piety of those who could not master the intricacies of advanced talmudic scholarship. The established rabbis, who decried Hasidism as false and corrupted, were referred to as “opposers” — or, in Hebrew, Mitnagdim. Although one may be tempted to view Haredi culture as a monolith, various subtle and not-so-subtle distinctions exist. Many Haredim are fundamentally opposed to a secular, modern, pre-messianic Jewish state.