Yeshiva's Demise, Edah's Rise, and the Emerging Progressive Orthodox Balance

American Orthodox Judaism's progressive wing, it seems to me, has stagnated for some time. An unhealthy satisfaction with the status quo and a pervasive sense of apathy vis-à-vis communal philosophical direction afflict many of its adherents. Matters of faith are not the subject of spirited public discourse but of obfuscation and revisionist rabbinic legislation. Intellectual autonomy in the pursuit of theological meaning has receded leaving halakhic chieftains the unchallenged reins. I am witness to the coming of age of another brood of modern Orthodox careerist automatons who will lead spiritually uninspired lives characterized by little more than an obscene quest to reach the suburbs.

Edah and the "Luchos Ho'edus"

An editorial in the February 12^th edition of The Jewish Week accuses me of not "fighting fair" in my criticisms of Edah. However, the issue is not one of fairness. Rather, the issue is truth and integrity. What (perhaps better said, who) is Edah? What is its agenda? In two recent letters to the editor of that publication, my statements were severely criticized. I should like to respond to these criticisms and, at the same time, reaffirm their accuracy and truth.

A Little Respect Please

The need for individuality of thought in the halakhic decision-making process is undeniable. Throughout history, halakhic principles have been debated, beginning in the Gemara itself where Amoraim such as Abaye and Rava openly differed on the most fundamental of halakhic principles. Similarly, Rishonim such as the Shach and Taz often found themselves at odds in evaluating the understanding of individual Talmudic positions. This is central to halakha - allowing for open debate on halakhic issues and their application to emerging situations.

A Return To Jewish Modesty

So, who did you pick up at the SOY Seforim Sale? Ahem....I meant what did you pick up? Did you happen to purchase the chart book? That's right, the chart book. I'm not talking about the Breslov Prayer Calendar or that book with colored diagrams of a lulav. I'm talking about "Modesty - An Adornment For Life," a companion booklet to a much larger and exhausting tome on female modesty. Check it out. It's the ultimate guide for modesty in this age of obsessive/compulsive halakhic minutiae. And you don't even have to read it. You can simply look at the pictures.

The Pupil: Meet Tamir Goodman II

Hi, I'm Tamir Goodman and I represent your Hellenistic values. Many of you know me from the intellectually challenging and religiously minded periodical Sports Illustrated, and from the has-been, washed-out, ex-basketball player turned voice of Jewish conscience Nahum Segal. I am writing to you to personally thank you for your idolatrous behavior and the blind support which you have shown for the phenomenon of moral assimilation which professional sports represents, and of which I am a product of.

Student Soapbox: Beauty is in the Soul of the Beholder

The terms "beauty" and "art" belong to that class of fuzzy nouns that people can almost make a career out of trying to define ("humor", "evil", "science fiction" and "Torah U'Maddah" come to mind as well). We're thoroughly convinced we know what these words really mean, but when pressed for a precise definition find ourselves taking general stabs at an amorphous villain. Beauty is presumably a good thing, be it in a physical or abstract sense, and art is creative stuff. Beyond this lies a dark abyss of uncertainty, and philosophical conversations that can grate one's nerves to a powder.

YU? Well, why not.

Sometimes I just don't understand the students here in YU. It seems to me they always find something to complain about - the neighborhood, the campus and the lack of girls. Well, tell you what boys, open your eyes. We are in a great place that tries to provide us with everything we need as Jewish students. The small campus gives us the advantage of small classes, we enjoy some great sports facilities including the gym and the swimming pool and we even have a direct van to Stern! However, it doesn't mean that everything is perfect.

As the turn of the millennium rapidly approaches, many are following a trend encouraging immediate entrance into the professional world. At YU this includes packing maximum credit loads into each semester, well paying summer internships, and hours upon hours working on resumes in the placement office. All this in an attempt to 'get ahead in this fast-paced world.'

Message from the YCSC President

It has been about a month since I have had the opportunity to address the students in the proper Commentator forum. A lot has happened since then so I thought I might fill you in.