Tuesday 21 August 2012

On Modern Orthodoxy

On several - or even many - issues, Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen cogently argues that Modern Orthodoxy is MORE traditional and LESS revisionist than various Hareidi Alternatives. EG P'sak Halachah has moved away from a Legalistic System towards a Pietistic System

«At issue is whether Halacha may be ruled differently due to distinctly different orientations?The proper response is definitely yes. In fact, MO has an approach to Halacha that differs from the approach of the Yeshiva and Hassidic world.(In reality it has more traditional roots than the orientation of the Yeshiva and Hassidic world.) Several years ago, Rabbi Shalom Klass,(ZL) publisher of the Jewish Press, sent me a copy of a ruling of Rav Henkin,(ZL) former author of the Ezrat Torah Luach and a major posek for American synagogue Jewry. The issue was in the event that the Mishna Berura and the Aruch HaShulchan differed , whom should one follow; the Mishna Berura or the Aruch HaShulchan? Rav Henkin ruled that one should not follow the Mishna Berura but,rather, the ruling of the Aruch HaShulchan. Why? The Mishna Berura ,known as the Chofetz Chaim was the Tzaddik of the generation.The Tzaddik of the generation should not be the decider of Halacha for such a person will have a proclivity to be stringent. So true. In Europe in previous generations the Rav who decided Halacha for the community at large generally was lenient. In the Hassidic and Yeshiva spheres the custom was to be stringent. Anyone learning the Mishna Berura notes how he generally suggests a compromise solution that favors stringency. His argument generally is why be involved in a doubtful situation. Be stringent and observe all positions. The Aruch HaShulchan deals with questions on the basis of what is the realistic Halacha and generally does not suggest a compromise. Being lenient does not mean to violate Halachic standards.It's , rather, an orientation when ruling for the community at large.It's a recognition that a Halachic decision is not a Pavlovian extremist position.»

Modern Orthodoxy: Definitions and Insights | Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals

http://www.jewishideas.org/articles/modern-orthodoxy-definitions-and-insights

Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!


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