Post-postmodern Judaism
Never read this book, but I thought the juxtaposition of the words in the title were apropos of this post's crux: Okay, what would the great, holy Amaroim of yore say about today's societal disconnect and the fallout it is indirectly causing? Don't know for sure, but a friend just told me that Rav Matisyahu Solomon said, in one form or another: "Thank G-d I was not born in this generation - I don't know if I would have remained religious in the contemporary social milieu". Pornography has become (dare I say) 'accepted' by many, a result of the spiritually-nutritionless plasma that is being infused into our collective bloodstream. The battle for and against G-d's existence amongst the rational world is now akin to a pile of somewhat-smoldering ashes which, any day now, might be - it's so dire that it can now occur almost unwittingly - dusted away, resulting in...poof, the notion of a Creator completely vanishing from the entire consciousness of the elite. Too bad, because this, like everything in the secular world, rubs off on the Jewish world to varying and troubling degrees, leaving many existentially disillusioned. It was one thing when Nevuah left the world and G-d hid Himself (viewable though through history - see: Purim story, etc.), but we are confronted 'these days' with a second wallop; the belief by a critical mass of people that G-d is more than just hidden...
So how does an aspiring 'ben Torah' deal?
I truly identify with the author's post - it's startling how far our reality has come from that of our ancestors. To compare our Yetzer Hora (evil inclination) to that of our grandparents is as dissimilar as blueberries and peppers! Perhaps the denial of G-d is a consequence of our fast food society, for belief in G-d requires much of a person in an emotional as well as physical way. I think it's important for us to remember that we are the chosen people, the light upon the nations; we are to be guiding the rest of the world as oppose to them influencing us.
ReplyDeleteGood point, that's why it's important in our generation for the parents and schools to teach the children the beauty of Yidishkeit, and why we do what we do. That it shouldn't just be done because the parents say so, but should be taught with the roots, so that the child will know what it means to be Jewish, why he is that way, and why it is important to act the Torah way.
ReplyDeleteI like what you're saying, but is doing that going to really be effective enough?
ReplyDeleteI think it could be effective, I was taught that way in seminary and it made such a difference in my life. I think if it becomes an initiative then it can be successful. There are already many who see this and feel the same way. Although the Chinuch system is improving, there are many great mechanchim who understand children, and understand the time we live in and realize that there has to be change.
ReplyDeleteI hope the proactive stance you are implying is real and works.
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