When I was religious, there were a bunch of issues which I felt needed to be addressed and weren't being addressed. I felt strongly for various reasons that the Modern Orthodox didn't care enough about their Judaism. My catchphrase was that while my problems with the Haredim were all theological, my problems with the Modern Orthodox were all sociological. In my view, true ideologically-driven Modern Orthodoxy was the best way for a Jew to live. The problem was that the ideals of the great Modern Orthodox rabbis weren't taught to students and so the students generally fell into three categories: 1) those who went haredi; 2) those who went off-the-derech and 3) those who were "Modern Orthodox" but didn't care so much about halacha. I wrote an essay for a contest from Rabbi Angel's Institute with recommendations on how to generally instill Modern Orthodox ideals.
But now I don't believe in Modern Orthodoxy or Haredi Judaism. Now, I could dedicate this blog to critiquing theistic religions in general and Orthodox Judaism specifically. But I think the information from my side (humanists) is articulate enough and accessible enough for any honest truth-seeker to see it fairly; in other words, I don't have much to add.
Now, the original intention of me starting this blog was that it would promote my academic essays. But all of my academic work is in limbo right now and nothing big is really due till the end of the semester. So I can't really dedicate the blog to promoting that either.
If you have any ideas, please let me know. In the meantime, here's the tentative plan (barring my writer's block going away and/or you guys coming up with some good ideas for stuff to write): While perhaps experimenting with some different types of essays, I'll temporarily switch the blog's focus to daily links to interesting news/opinions/videos for us to discuss with some brief commentary from yours truly.
"The problem was that the ideals of the great Modern Orthodox rabbis weren't taught to students and so the students generally fell into three categories:"
ReplyDeleteNow that you fell into your self-described category 2, its time to close this blog.
Adios.
Thanks for your feedback Dave, but while I might have writer's block, I still have an itch to write.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a "This American Life" style approach. A major departure from your current writing, it may be just what you need to spark new ideas. Instead of such an academic tone to your works, you could gather personal stories to present with some analysis. You could gather stories of OTDers such as yourself, experiences of former Yeshiva students, interviews with atheists, Reform Jews, haredi clergy trying to bridge the gap between the wings of Judaism. I know, its very different from what you're accustomed to doing, but it might be interesting and could give you insight into your own experiences. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteObjectively speaking, and I really mean that, how would you expect others to view your "religious writings" in light of your current situation? I was particularly interested in your Hakirah essay on Torah Im Derech Eretz in the view of Rabbi Elias. I generally disagree with that paper, but am unsure as to how much your current view on things "delegitimize" what you wrote there & on other topics you wrote about from a religious perspective.
ReplyDeleteI do not mean this rhetorically or to belittle; was your writing then objective, was it at all influenced by what may have them been subliminal non-religious beliefs, what value might it have for religious people today interested in the topics you wrote about then?
Thanks