I did not realize that Solomon Schechter helped establish the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) and that it began as an Orthodox establishment. It all makes sense! Jewish immigrants who come to America in the early 20th century were looking for religious freedom, for many of them, according to noted Jewish scholar Samuel Heilman, they did not abandon their traditions despite the obstacles they faced. For example language barriers, different styles of worship and different standards of keeping kosher, to name a few.
Soloman Schechter had the vision to initiate principles that would help Jewish immigrants acculturate into American society. The principles were put into practice by Schechters’ disciples who were sent to obscure places. At first glance, the three principles, English sermons, modern educational methods and decorum in the synagogue do not appear as radical innovations by today's standards , but at the time must have been met with resistance (at least by some Orthodox factions). The reason being, when Schechters’ students implemented the principles, some students went too far. For example playing the organ on Shabbos or not keeping kosher. This created a divide between the very Orthodox and Conservative Jews Schechter envisioned to unite! Once the standards outlined in Halacha, Jewish law were not being followed, then Orthodox Jews no longer felt they could be affiliated together with the Conservative movement.
It’s abosultely true that keeping Halacha in a modern society means more often than not, standing alone. Still, I’m sadden to learn that time and time again, no matter where Jews came from or to which host country they were living in, the thing that makes them and US most Jewish is our religion.However it seems like our very religion is the first to be compromised when faced with assimilating trends into gentile societies.
No comments:
Post a Comment