First, only Arab Christians are allowed to raise pigs? Not, say, Armenians? Or only Christians? If only Arabs, I would wonder why.

I’m not sure why. I’ll see if I can find out because I am curious as well. Perhaps it is because there are many Arab Christians but few Armenian ones here. (They are mainly a few priests and monks in the Old City.)

Attempts to institute God’s law as Man’s law inevitably end up debasing both.

Within the context of an officially-secular society like the United States, I’d say you’d be correct. But the Torah commands, for example: DO NOT EAT PORK. Full stop. It does not say, let freedom reign in the country and hope that everyone does not eat pork.

Regarding the idea of secular coercion, I am opposed to laws that oppress people secularly as well. Such laws, such as Jim Crow laws, have no place in modern society. They are a violation of fundamental human rights.

Furthermore, Israel already has enough problems with relations with its neighbors. By adopting a set of laws based on religion, that would further alienate the Arab states that surround it, thus rendering an unstable situation even more unstable.

If religious law is the law of a nation, what is to prevent Israel from turning into Iran? Or worse, Sudan? Can you explain what would stop a theocracy from going entirely in that direction?

Second, you’re advocating, it would seem, the same thing Hamas, Hezbollah, the Saudis, and the Ayatollahs advocate: theocracy.

I think the conservative Rabbi has it right. But, then, I think theocracy is wrong-headed in any religion. Attempts to institute God’s law as Man’s law inevitably end up debasing both.