Maybe the "world" isn't coming to its end in 2012, but any sense of enlightenment is disappearing fast.
Being rigid, dogmatic, and free of self-reflection is no longer the monopoly of a few extreme Hareidim
In the Jewish world, various fundamentalist sects and cults are making a comeback. Some even appeal to people to be "reasonable" as they eagerly close the minds of their recruits and toast them a l'chayyim with "kool-aid".
Recently R Zvi Hersch Weinreb came to Teaneck and discussed the concept of "zeitgeist" and so it is. The times produces a spirit, a mood, a prevailing
Islamo-Fascism has hijacked the Moslem World, Bible-thumping charismatic preachers have overshadowed their reasonable colleagues, and Europe is giving up on Liberal Xtianity altogether.
It's no surprise I guess that Jewish groups are following suit. "Where has all the Philosophy Gone" lamented Rabbi B. Hecht! (See http://www.nishma.org/articles/insight/insight5757-14.htm)
It's gone into hibernation until the next cycle of enlightenment arrives or when the Moshiach saves us again from our latest folly
Lamentably Yours,
RRW
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