The term Ultra-Orthodox, so popular in the secular press, is not merely descriptive. It is actually a veiled judgment and criticism. The dictionary defines "Ultra" as an "extremist". People view all types of extremism as negative. So essentially the term means that the people to whom they are referring are radicals, crazies, beyond the pale etc.
Who says that people who are trying to follow the word of G-d are extremist? I think it is extreme to ignore the word of G-d!! He created us and gives us life every second. How can He be wantonly ignored?? In fact a person who isn't following Hashem in anything is "crazy".
Isn't THAT an extreme statement?
The gemara says "אין אדם חוטא אלא אם כן נכנסה בו רוח שטות" - every sin is a reflection of temporary insanity!! I mean, isn't it INSANE to give up ETERNITY for a few seconds of anything? So it is only when a person is not sinning that he is normal. Isn't it INSANE to contravene the commands of Hashem who activates your "life-support-system" every second?? Isn't it NORMAL to connect to the source of all reality and create an eternal bond??
And who says extremism is necessarily negative? Let us say someone is EXTREMELY kind or EXTREMELY honest or EXTREMELY compassionate. Don't we admire such people??
Also, the word "Orthodox" comes from Greek orthodoxos, from orthos ‘straight or right’ + doxa ‘opinion’. To be a religious Jew is MUCH MORE than having the correct opinions, as we all know. There are countless deeds we must do.
Also, the word "Orthodox" comes from Greek orthodoxos, from orthos ‘straight or right’ + doxa ‘opinion’. To be a religious Jew is MUCH MORE than having the correct opinions, as we all know. There are countless deeds we must do.
Let us change the term. How about the "Religiously Passionate" or the "Committed To Spirituality" or the "Faithful To Tradition". MUCH BETTER!!
