Mature Mussar Gone Awry

I am writing this letter to express deep regret for the editorial I wrote, "Mature Mussar," in the past issue. Writing the editorial was a foolish act - one that can be attributed to the impetuousness of youth. I meant no malice or harm in this letter . If anyone received any slack or was deeply offended, I, once again, am sorry. After speaking to rebbaim and older, more level-headed bachurim, I have arrived at the following conclusion: I, being a layman and lowly student, had no right, whatsoever, to criticize and take issue with the intentions of Talmidei Chachamim - which every Rabbi on the YU faculty, from JSS to MYP, is. The fiery and irresponsible language I used only compounds the severity of my truly egregious mistake. Moreover, any student who congratulated me on my "witty" or "incisive" commentary is gravely mistaken. Unfortunately today, it has become an increasingly accepted practice in Modern Orthodox circles to bash and belittle rebbaim - spiritual shepherds who have generously chosen to dedicate their lives to Hashem, by leading a prodigal flock. Personally, I feel this contempt stems from an underlying jealousy; we cannot stand that certain people are willing to stick by their convictions and insulate themselves from a perfidious society. Remember, we at Yeshiva are lucky to have such gifted and caring teachers; people who are trying to shape us into proper, upstanding Jews. Hopefully, this letter is the beginning of a long Teshuva process for myself.

Sincerely Sorry,
David Anziska

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