Comments on: Taking a Critical View at Modern Orthodoxy, by Rabbi Asher Lopatin

By: MC

MC — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:17:53 +0000

Why the labels? Orthodoxy is a term used to describe the church. Why can’t we just use more traditional terms such as Yehudim or Shomrei Torah U Mitzvot?
Rabbi Asher I respectfully think you miss the point.
Charedi and Morthodxy or whatever you want to call it are simply social constructs. These are no longer active progressive movements or keepers of a tradition. Value statements, “pillars of faith” al l of that you speak of are peripheral at best and are largely irrelevant to the reality of these communities. There is not a real motivation to follow these creeds or beliefs. The reality is you have a social network of people who participate in these groups for the perceived benefits of being part of an elite team. Let’s face it, these groups are filled more with ego than Yiras Shomyim, more of politics and corruption than Ahavas Yisroel and more of image than substance. Charedim can wear their garb or dip into a Mikve to feel pure, MO can preach their beliefs, but do either really work on becoming better people? Rarely.

By: Asher Lopatin

Asher Lopatin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:56:50 +0000

Only to the 6th pillar – JIHAD!

By: KB

KB — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:29:27 +0000

I think this is misheadlined. The closest you come to critical in this article is saying saying “I think we see it in the Chareidi and Yeshivish world, but we need to see it in our world,” a statement which is totally unclear as to whether or not you actually do see rigor in the modern orthodox world.

By: eddie

eddie — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:40:08 +0000

Reb Asher,
This doesn’t, chas v’shalom, have any connection to the 5 pillars of Islam, does it?

By: ilanadavita

ilanadavita — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:03:51 +0000

Stimulating post.

By: Asher Lopatin

Asher Lopatin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:19:04 +0000

Cute about the 5 pillars of Islam. Many in Islam add “Jihad” as a sixth pillar.

Asher Lopatin

By: BZL

BZL — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:06:33 +0000

“Five Pillars?” Our foundations of belief are from the TOrah, not Islam (Shahada, Salah, Zakah, Saum and Hajj).