We Need More Emunah

Recently I came across an article in a certain newspaper that comes out of a well known university. If I may paraphrase the article as I understand it: Why can't we be exposed to heresy? Why can't we listen to speakers who deny the Divinity of the Torah, the validity of our tradition, the greatness [or even existence] of G-d. It's not fair! We are Modern Orthodox and we should be allowed to hear words of Apikorsus! We must open our minds to other alternative viewpoints. Why does the university have a committee which screens potential speakers.

Now my response [not that I was asked, but what's a blog for?:)].

My sweet friend [never met her but everyone is my sweet friend!] - Heresy contaminates the mind and soul. It brings evil into the world. The views themselves are evil, the people spouting them are often evil [or sometimes just misguided] and according to our hallowed tradition such people are liable to the death penalty [which is no longer carried out today!!!].

Rav Kook in his Shmonah Kvatzim [Kovetz Aleph Page 321 which just today I came across due to Divine Providence] says that open-mindedness is "Ohr Olam" the light of the world. However, if taken too far it can bring about great destruction and one must be exceedingly careful not to cross the line.

The "line" is heresy. The Rambam rules [hil. avoda zara 2/2 if my memory seves me correctly] that is is FORBIDDEN to study, listen to, or even consider the validity of anti-Torah viewpoints. Does this sound pleasant to Modern-21st century-New York Times reading- internet surfing- free thinking-Pizza consuming-pleasure seeking man - NO! But we need not conform our eternal time-tested values to every passing fancy. If one is struggling with questions of faith then the right address is a Talmid Chochom - not an Apikorus with a PHd. ["Moshe Shtickman PHd in Kefirah from Yale" with a Masters in Avoda Zara].

Our generation needs more faith. People are so weak. They barely believe in G-d [I am talking about many of the students I have met in my 35 years in Orthodox schools]. They DON'T need more excuses to touch members of the other gender or eat unkosher. They need to know that G-d exists and that their lives have meaning.

People need RUCHNIYUS. Having enemies of our tradition for which we have been putting our lives on the line for the last 5000 years, publicly spout their words of disbelief, will not help anyone. This is true even if their last names conjure up images of delicious Shabbos food. [if you didn't get it - don't worry...]

And if a person wants to hear heresy - a religious university doesn't have to provide a forum. Heretics are ubiquitous [hoping of course that I am using the word correctly] and easy to find. The job of Jewish educators is to further and perpetuate Jewish belief - not to squash it and bequeath to our youth no lasting values.

BLESSINGS!