MODERN ORTHODOX P4.2

Question 1

Stance

Answer 1

For modernity, embraced change
Participate in the modern world through the lens of ‘Torah im derech eretz’, Torah with the way of the Land, as long as it does not threaten the tradition.

Question 2

Supporting response

Answer 2

• Reaffirmation of beliefs, ritual practises and the authority of Halacha, ethics and text.
• The belief in divine revelation, the land of Israel and the belief in the Messiah was reaffirmed and accepted as as it was believed that Jews could balance their competing nationalist tendencies.
• The Jews chose to believe in the Messiah but did not proactively push for a return to the Land of Israel
• Minor aesthetic changes were made to ritual practice during the synagogue service, in order to be more compatible with Christian society. For example, a sermon was now delivered in the vernacular language, Rabbis dressed in clerical robes and a male choir was added to the service.
• The use of vernacular language day to day was encouraged along with secular education by going to schools and universities, entering into different professions and participating in wider society rather than remaining in the ghetto.

Question 3

Who?

Answer 3

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808-1888) was the leader of this movement that led to the emergence of Modern Orthodoxy.
“no compromise of Jewish law or faith was necessary to be a fully participating citizens of modernity”

Question 4

Reason

Answer 4

The Modern Orthodox wanted a compatibility between Judaism and secular culture and knowledge. They found a balance between their spiritual connection to Judaism and their Nationalistic connection to Germany.

Question 5

Intended outcome

Answer 5

To persevere traditional Judaism and ensure continuity where one could be a committed Jew and while embracing secular culture

Question 6

Supporting responses on the challenge

Answer 6

The movement allowed for integration into modern society while retaining full religious practice and belief. Rabbi Louis Jacob stated that there were many “at home in Western society and yet observant in their everyday life”.

Question 7

Supporting responses on the wider society

Answer 7

• Helped maintain the authenticity of Judaism’s traditional beliefs and practices
• helped preserve the integrity and validity of traditional beliefs.
• Rabbi Louis Jacobs discusses that while doing this, the movement also allowed members to be “Cultured men and women, bankers, university professions, physicians, artists, scientists and men of letters, thoroughly at home in Western society and yet observant in their everyday life”.
• the movements negative impacts meant adherents became alienated from the ‘community