Formulating Responses in an Egalitarian Age (review)

Abstract

Formulating Responses in an Egalitarian Age, edited by Marc D. Stern. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2005. 228 pp. $34.95. How to respond to the modern egalitarian age which impacts on and may even threaten the religious observance of the Orthodox Jew-the subject of this book-is not a new topic, and opinions have always spanned a wide spectrum. Responding to the Emancipation, Shimshon Raphael Hirsch (1808-88), the dominant figure of the German Orthodox community, welcomed the changes as offering the Orthodox Jew the opportunity to participate fully in the life of modern society without compromising in the slightest his religious practices. A very different opinion was voiced by the Hatam Sofer (Moshe Sofer, 1762-1839), the leader of Hungarian Orthodox Jewry, who was completely opposed to any changes in society, asserting, Anything new is forbidden by the Torah. Anxiety stemming from possible problems for Orthodox Jews arising from the current climate of religious tolerance continues to plague our religious leaders. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this complex topic was chosen for the twelfth volume in the Orthodox Forum Series of Yeshiva University. We have here a series of nine essays written by leading thinkers in the Modern Orthodox camp, whose flagship institution is Yeshiva University. Although the writers are all firmly rooted in Modern Orthodoxy, one nevertheless finds significant differences in their understanding of just what the problems are, not to mention different views regarding how to respond to these problems. The book begins with an introductory essay by Marc D. Stern, who comprehensively surveys the scene. Stern calls attention to the deep-seated conflict between egalitarianism-equal treatment of all people-and the often non-egalitarian requirements of halakha. We all want to be fair to our fellow human beings and to respect their right to hold opinions and engage in practices (that injure nobody) differing from our own. Equality has become the bedrock principle of modern civilized society, and for all of us, a fundamental commitment, ethically, emotionally, and philosophically. Therefore, how are we to respond when halakha forbids the practices of our fellow man? Is there a difference if these anti-halakhic practices (say, homosexuality) are carried out by Jews or by non-Jews? Just what are our responsibilities towards our non-Jewish fellow man? Can halakha adapt to modern conditions? Did halakha respond in the past by adapting? Are there any new features present in the egalitarianism of today? These are just some of the questions that Stern raises, admirably setting the tone for the essays that follow. Stern's introductory essay is followed by two outstanding overviews. In the first overview, by Aharon Lichtenstein, we receive the profound, nuanced, and penetrating analysis that one has come to expect from this writer. Lichtenstein rejects out of hand the anything-goes concept of moral relativism that accompanies unbridled egalitarianism. Not only our behavior, but even our opinions, must be restricted by halakhic and Torah considerations. But, having said that, Lichtenstein does not hesitate to castigate those who would ignore the human element, because the Torah itself requires us to recognize-he quotes Milton-the human face divine. …