2008 Woodie Awards
Orthodox Mediocrity
Dovid Wildman
Issue date: 5/16/05 Section: Opinion
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Two months ago, over the weekend of March 11-12, I had the privilege of speaking with Denis Prager about religion and the responsibilities of Orthodox Jews in modern society. Mr. Prager, a renowned nationally syndicated radio talk show host, was visiting Stern College as a guest speaker for the Israel Club Shabbaton. His keynote address was about the intersection of religion and politics on the world stage, and the Jewish role in it all. Though he kept much of his personal religious beliefs out of the discussion, he did elaborate on his views privately afterward. I think everyone -- particularly the students at Yeshiva -- should hear what he had to say.
Dennis Prager grew up Orthodox, a product of Yeshiva Day Schools, but left Orthodoxy because of a perception that the universal message of Judaism was being stifled under an inwardly focused, inflexible Halakhic canon. In his own words, Mr. Prager lamented that he was taught to memorize the exact dimensions of a Succah but never once was he taught what the Jewish mission is in the world. And that's the challenge he left us students with: what is our task as a religious people within the global community? Or, to phrase it differently, what does it really mean to be an Or Lagoyim - a light unto the nations?
As I contemplated Mr. Prager's question, I came to realize that the Orthodox world has primarily interpreted the concept of Or Lagoyim in a passive sense; consequently, our community has advanced a mediocre form of Orthodox Judaism. Throughout my life, Or Lagoyim has been presented as a form of "leading by example." We are told to set examples as individuals and communities, to influence others through our steadfast adherence to religious values such as moral incorruptibility, quality of character, and complete faith in God. We expect those around us to adopt these values, or at least a portion of them, through osmosis. Although this has worked to a certain extent -- we do have the concept of a Judeo-Christian ethic -- we have refused to spread our message with passion and active strength.
Dennis Prager grew up Orthodox, a product of Yeshiva Day Schools, but left Orthodoxy because of a perception that the universal message of Judaism was being stifled under an inwardly focused, inflexible Halakhic canon. In his own words, Mr. Prager lamented that he was taught to memorize the exact dimensions of a Succah but never once was he taught what the Jewish mission is in the world. And that's the challenge he left us students with: what is our task as a religious people within the global community? Or, to phrase it differently, what does it really mean to be an Or Lagoyim - a light unto the nations?
As I contemplated Mr. Prager's question, I came to realize that the Orthodox world has primarily interpreted the concept of Or Lagoyim in a passive sense; consequently, our community has advanced a mediocre form of Orthodox Judaism. Throughout my life, Or Lagoyim has been presented as a form of "leading by example." We are told to set examples as individuals and communities, to influence others through our steadfast adherence to religious values such as moral incorruptibility, quality of character, and complete faith in God. We expect those around us to adopt these values, or at least a portion of them, through osmosis. Although this has worked to a certain extent -- we do have the concept of a Judeo-Christian ethic -- we have refused to spread our message with passion and active strength.