What is Modern Orthodox really?
For many years it was just watered down Judaism. Some Judaism some Goyishism. Married women almost never covered their hair, the men were almost never serious about Talmud Torah, children were raised to be "rich and successful" while "religion" was viewed as a nice cultural thing but not to be taken overly seriously [unless it was something like dinei aveilus which were taken very seriously]. Young Israel shuls had dances for the boys and girls. The mechitza in shuls was often very low. Practitioners of this brand of Judaism were very assimilated into the general culture while still keeping kosher [at least at home]. Most MO Jews would daven 3 times daily but only a small percentage of people who came to shul on Shabos also came during the week. Many washed or bentched on Shabbos only.
This might sound harsh but everyone who lived in the previous century in the US knew that this was the reality. On the positive side at least most Modern Orthodox people didn't intermarry, gave a proper get when getting divorced, kept Shabbos [without knowing all the details but no driving or turning on lights and the like] and often were very charitable. Because they held on to the vestiges of tradition, many of their descendents are incredibly great Jews today. People who are grandchildren of couples who met at a Saturday night dance are learning in Kollel in Yerushalyim!!
Then came a silent revolution. Modern Orthodoxy created a philosophy. It wasn't just about being lax about observance but a philosophy about being part of the world while at the same time strictly observant. In the words of Rabbi Dr. Lamm "Passionately moderate but not moderately passionate". Wow! Sounds great. In his classic work "Torah Umaadda" Rabbi Lamm presented various models of Modern Orthodoxy that have sources and are firmly rooted in our tradition. In addition, many MO people who didn't necessarily subscribe to the "Torah U'madda" vision per se became far more passionate about their observance. Neo-Chasidus is but one expression of this. Today. a large percentage of Modern Orthodox women cover their hair. Minyanim in MO neighborhoods [such as Teaneck and the 5 towns] are packed even during the week, daf yomi shiurim are very popular in addition to other learning initiatives. Rabbonim are invited to speak and give chizzuk in different communities and there is a genuine thirst for ruchniyus in what used to be a barren spiritual desert. Dances are a thing of the past except for one well known wealthy community that still has their yearly "dinner-dance". Ya can't win 'em all. We have seen the emergence of "Chasidic Rebbes" for Modern Orthodox Jews who speak their language, understand their struggles and try to guide them based on the Torah of people like the Baal Shem Tov all the way to Rav Yoshe Ber Soloveichik. It is the perfect fit. Torah that satisfies the soul that is custom tailored for a Jew actively involved in the Corporate World of the 21st century [למנינם]. Things aren't perfect but have improved dramatically. Who would have dreamt that in a world that has never been more secular and more materialistic that people who live in palatial mansions [to me - every home in many MO neighborhoods are mansions] would experience a religious revival. Almost an open miracle. And a sign of the eternity of Torah which actually foretold these processes.
One would think that if a hundred years ago when Jew were dirt poor and couldn't enjoy this world very much and they nevertheless jettisoned religion, how much more so would they have discarded the entire project in our world of plenty when almost every possible pleasure beckons. But no - there has been a significant religious and spiritual revival. But one thing we often forget when we enjoy our self imposed Eruv surrounded Jewish ghettos, our kosher sushi, Pesach in Vallarta with Shwekey, workplaces where it seems that everybody and the CEO is frum and the only person who isn't is the janitor, is that the vast majority of Jews are assimilated and we are losing them in droves. About 70 percent intermarriage. Every night when countless thousands of intermarried couple are intimate, one of the worst sins in the Torah is being committed. Do we care about the souls of all of these lost Jews? What are we doing about it?
I think that since our lives are at once so comfortable and at the same time we are all dealing with our own personal struggles [family, business, health, financial etc.] we forget about our brothers and sisters.
#reachout
