Kol Hamevaser Volume III, Issue 2 – Full Summary
Theme: Family and Community in Jewish Thought and Modern Orthodoxy
1. The Modern Orthodox Response to Orthopraxy – by Eli Putterman
The article addresses the rise of Orthoprax Jews—those who outwardly practice Jewish law but inwardly reject belief in Orthodox theology. Putterman reviews halakhic categories (mumar, kofer, tinok she-nishbah) and argues that many Orthoprax Jews today, influenced by modern intellectual and cultural pressures, should be classified as tinok she-nishbah—coerced by circumstances.
Key argument: Modern Orthodoxy must shift from exclusion toward education, teaching members how Judaism answers intellectual challenges without alienating skeptics within the community.
2. Prayer: A Call for Philosophical Inquiry – by Sarit Bendavid
This piece examines why Jewish prayer often lacks passion or meaning in Modern Orthodox communities. Bendavid argues that Judaism's focus on action over belief leaves prayer poorly understood. She explores different philosophical and Kabbalistic views on tefillah (prayer), addressing questions like:
• Is prayer for us or to change G-d's will?
• Should the focus be words, ideas, or emotions?
• How does kavvanah (intent) function in modern prayer?
Conclusion: Better philosophical education about prayer's purpose is needed to bridge the gap between rote recitation and true connection to G-d.
3. Rabbinic Leadership Reexamined – by Alex Luxenberg
Luxenberg critiques the growing disconnect between rabbis (in shuls, schools, and Israel gap-year programs) and their Modern Orthodox communities. He argues that many rabbis come from different hashkafic (ideological) backgrounds, causing tension.
Key issues discussed:
• Teachers out of touch with student values
• Yeshiva rabbis influencing students on dating and lifestyle without understanding their home communities
• The need for rabbis to serve not just as halakhic authorities but as relatable leaders reflecting the community's values
Solution: Train and hire rabbis and teachers from within the community who share its outlook.
4. General Reflections on Family and Community
Throughout the issue, the concept of family and community serves as the backbone of the discussion:
• How Jewish communities handle diversity of belief (Orthopraxy)
• How prayer functions (or fails) as a communal and individual act
• The role of rabbinic leadership in shaping and guiding the family and communal life of Modern Orthodoxy
Overall Message:
Modern Orthodoxy must critically examine how it educates, leads, and maintains community in the face of modern intellectual, cultural, and religious challenges. Building authentic connections between rabbis, educators, and community members is key to sustaining Jewish life.
Key Contributors:
• Editors-in-Chief: Sarit Bendavid, Shaul Seidler-Feller
• Writers: Eli Putterman, Sarit Bendavid, Alex Luxenberg, Nicole Grubner, Shani Taragin (interview), Rabbi Yaakov Neuberger (interview)
Recurring Themes:
• Balancing tradition and modernity
• The challenge of belief versus practice
• The need for philosophical and theological literacy
• Leadership that reflects community values
• Education as the tool to bridge gaps
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