Blessing and Greeting:
... I duly received your letter in which you describe your views and feelings in relation to Judaism, your encounters and conflicts, etc.
It is not completely clear to me from your letter on what particular matter you seek my advice, if at all. However, since we are taught by our Sages that every Jew is duty-bound to take an interest in his fellow-Jew, even a complete stranger, how much more so in this case, where you have written to me and have opened your heart to me, - I therefore consider it my duty, indeed privilege, to reply to you in the same spirit, which you may, if you wish, accept as advice or suggestion or simply regard as my own “thinking aloud.”
By way of general introduction, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of where certain movements stand in relation to authentic Judaism. A closer look at their tenets confirm without a doubt, that these movements are based on compromise, and the surrender of principle in favor of convenience, for an easier “adjustment” to a particular time and place.
The consequence of this attitude is, first of all, that once one begins making concessions, holding no more to the principle of the inviolability of the pure faith and Divine Law, there is no telling how far one will go. Human nature is such that once one accepts the principle of compromise in matters of faith, there is bound to be a steady erosion, every time with a lighter mind and less qualms. Secondly, it is bound to undermine one’s respect for one’s religion, knowing that anyone can “do business” with it; trim it a bit here, a bit there; and whatever is left – what real value can be attached to it, and what binding force can it have? Moreover, one, at the same time, loses also one’s self-respect, recognizing one’s lack of courage and personal weakness to hold on to one’s own belief, or the beliefs of his people, and taking instead the line of least resistance.
Young people, filled with energy and determination and unsullied faith are not naturally inclined to compromise in any field, much less in the higher values of life. This explains why most of the “conformists” in social and conventional aspects of life are to be found among older people. Consequently, young people take their personal convictions much more seriously and are bound to be more affected.
Has the present young generation been prepared to cope with the real aspects of life? Unfortunately, in America at any rate, most parents, however well-intentioned, have been more concerned about their children’s material, rather than spiritual, well-being. The reason for this is not hard to find. Having themselves had to face economic hardships, as immigrants or the children of immigrants, and having found that religious conviction and principles not infrequently proved “restrictive” in a materialistic society, they decided to do their utmost to shelter their children from the economic hardships which they had experienced. They were thus primarily interested in providing their children with careers and professions and other means of economic security, leaving it to their children to find their own way, eventually, in regard to such things as religion and a world outlook. However well-meaning the parents may have been, the result is the same: It fostered a way of life where principles have been sacrificed to expediency, and time-honored traditions have been relinquished for material gains, actual or imaginary.
Under these circumstances, it is small wonder that the tremendous upheavals which shook the world in general, and the Jewish world in particular, in our generation, have found young men and women almost totally unprepared. World wars on an unprecedented scale, followed by economic booms and busts, have made a shambles of hopes and aspirations even in the material sphere.
As for the world of the spirit, the bankruptcy of ideas and ideologies have left many young people terribly disillusioned morally and spiritually. A void has been created in their hearts and minds which they did not know how to fill. The widespread disillusionment and frustration among the young generation, and even among the not so young, with the resultant ethical, moral and social ills, are too well known, and too painful, to be elaborated here.
Fortunately, one has been able to clearly discern a new trend among our young Jewish men and women, especially academic youth, who come closer to the world of ideas and thought.... continued in next issue