Where Are We Heading? By: Curious George

Preface by: Dovid Teitelbaum

While many have encouraged me to continue with my blog, the biggest support I get comes from mechanchim. This might come as a shocker to some, but the most encouraging letters I receive are from rabayim that have a good grasp of today's teenagers and the world they face. My reasoning is, that while they are not allowed to voice their own opinion they are happy that someone else is.

One such mechanech, who has been in the field for many years, goes by “Curious George. You can find him commenting on my blog sometimes, usually confronting those with distorted views of yiddishkeit. George, like so many others, has been there from the beginning, helping and encouraging me along the way. One thing I noticed about him, was his keen insight into our current times and a good vision of where we as orthodox Jews are heading into the future. As I am off on summer break, and besides I think people need to hear from other voices, I asked George if he can write about this topic for me and my blog audience.

I apologize that I am unable to use a real name for this post, its just something we need to accept at this time. So just as the man with the yellow hat, this post will need to remain nameless. Like anything else I publish, I’m just trying to raise awareness to the real problems we face, and how we can grow in the future. I gave Curious George moderation rights and if he feels the need to respond, I’m sure he will. Thank you George.

Where Are We Heading? By: Curious George

Over the past decade or so the Yeshivish Olam has been experiencing some turbulence. As individuals within the community we are pulled in many directions and aren’t quite sure which way to turn.

Ultra-Orthodox! Since when did Judaism become a car wash?

Recently, I was labeled “An Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi” by another blogger. I thought I cleared up the fact that I wasn't a Rabbi but now I have a new title to contend with, Ultra-Orthodoxy. As one of my local rabbis pointed out, “Since when did Judaism become a car-wash?” Are we soon going to have super-orthodox, premium orthodox and super deluxe?

Was there something wrong with orthodoxy that we needed to boost our status. Did R’ Moshe, R’ Yaakov and Rav Pam, the Gedolim I remember, consider themselves ultra-orthodox or were they just not good enough? Was Moshe Rabainu, The Rambam or Rashi Ultra-Orthodox? Today one can just put on a black hat and earns the title, but Is this a title that we have earned or is this a title that we chose for ourselves? And what exactly are we trying to say? I sure hope its not an “I’m better than you” attitude, because that never works out well.