Why Modern Orthodoxy?

What are distinctive features of Modern Orthodoxy that make it an appealing and intellectually meaningful way of Jewish life?

[@hrgirl26]

My hubby and I have always felt like we didn't fit in anywhere. We're not liberal enough to be reform or conservative enough to be Heredi. Modern Orthodox just makes so much sense and it's so practical!

[@DreamsOfDying1314]

I do wish there was a bit more outreach among the modox groups. I find modox to be truly the most appealing among all levels of observance tbh.

[@ntmn8444]

Yes! This is true!

[@ntmn8444]

I think modern orthodoxy is the most appealing of all the branches of Judaism for me. But yet, i don’t know of any MO synagogues in my area.

[@matisyahup613]

Chereidim are close to the observance of halacha, but not the outside world. Modern odthodox try to balance both sides of life. Inevitably, some modern people will have a desire to become charedi, and some charedi will want to become modern. The greatest rabbis were chereidi, because that is the most authentic practice, but some people are more suited for the moderate approach of modern orthodox. I think both ways have positive aspects.

[@amixofeverything]

+matisyahup613 I'm not to sure about that. While Rav Soloveichik was arguably haredi, he had a huge impact on modern orthodoxy in America.

[@resposta70]

Great video! Awesome Rabbi!

[@PoliticalOra33]

I completely agree with you.

[@margaretmojica8190]

I knew an older Jewish couple who were Conservative and ate ham. I was surprised and asked. Her answer was, "That was in the old days." It is up to each person to decide how they are going to live their life with God. Ultra conservative Christian or Jewish sects do not allow a person to decide for themselves but operate in a totalitarian way. My cousin became Pentecostal and I overheard a young man comparing the pastor in his present congregation with the pastor in the previous congregation he belonged to. In the previous congregation the pastor said the men could wear short sleeved shirts while the pastor in the present congregation said the men had to wear long sleeved shirts and could roll up the sleeves. Some people want to think for themselves and some people want to be told how to brush their teeth.

[@isaacslevy]

I think your critique of Orthodox conformity is valid but the issue with modern orthodoxy is usually hashkafa often in regards to modesty

[@larryolsen4422]

Is there a modern orthodox synagogue in St. Louis Missouri?

[@JEspo83]

Wish you would set up camp in Chicago.

[@BornInTzyon]

I guess I should also say that they say that the conversions Dor Deah offer are "according to the guidelines conveyed by the Talmudic Sages and affirmed by the Mishne Torah and Shulchan Aruch." so it is not outside of halakha however like you said, it's not "a halakhic conversion accepted by all Jews, " Just thought I'd clarify that for those who may come across our dialogue and get the impression that Dor Deah conversions weren't done according to halakha at all.

[@rachelbenjamin7505]

What is the difference between Conservative Judaism vs. Modern Orthodox Judaism?

[@davidschalit907]

Rachel Benjamin Conservatives believe that halacha changes. Orthodox, whether modern or otherwise, believe that halacha is situational.

[@dannybrown5889]

@@davidschalit907 Can you elaborate on those differences?

[@davidschalit907]

@@dannybrown5889 One example: Conservative Judaism would have nothing to do with animal sacrifice today, even if the prerequisite for doing it; a rebuilt and functioning Temple in Jerusalem existed. Orthodoxy prays for G-D to bring us back to the time when those sacrifices were given, so that we can theoretically do them (there's some disagreement in if we would do it the same as before at that point or just for one year or maybe one time...). We can't do them now because the situation changed. But if the situation changed back, then... Conservatives on the other hand, believe that you can completely change Jewish law for good. Rabbinical or Torah law.

[@gershengel4049]

While there are differences in doctrine, the real difference is that most Conservative Jews don't really keep the traditions and are rarely practicing, there is a big gap between clergy and laity. Modern Orthodox people are far more practicing

[@hisStory-y2g]

I attend a thriving conservative shul that davens 7 days a week .. Shacharit , Mincha , Maariv ... Kabbalat Shabbat , morning Shabbat , everything in Hebrew . All food is Kosher at Oneg . One problem l have is not enough indepth study groups ! Shalom Klal Yisrael !

[@morehn]

This sounded like fluff to me with nothing detailed or substantiated. Complete flattery and pontification of modern orthodoxy without defining a single point of contention or difference between the movements.

[@ntmn8444]

I don’t think you were listening then.

[@morehn]

@@ntmn8444 it was full of alleged cultural differences, not differences of positions or perspectives.

[@Bodhi510]

I like this Judaism.

[@BornInTzyon]

I'd love to see what your thoughts are on the Dor Deah movement. R'Meza & Eliyahu (KZbin channel Geoasher023 & Omedyashar) are the rabbis at the helm.

[@syedliyakhatali2281]

Jewish Race has many aspects..social,economical,...religious..etc. The religious aspect of Jewish Race is Judaism. That is what Rabbis preach.

[@hisStory-y2g]

Sorry dude but Jewish is Not a Race ... It's a Cultural Religious identity ... Black , white , brown , red , yellow Jews all through out the world 🌎.

[@antoniajane5442]

And a chance of a formal education, where you are taught world history and science.

[@yefunehdavid1005]

The concept of "Orthodoxy" wouldn't even exist if not for anti-Oral Torah Jews inventing new "denominations/divisions" of so-called Judaism. If not for deviations/descent from traditional Judaism, what many refer to as "orthodox" Judaism would simply be understood as "Judaism" (there's really only one). The idea of "modern" contradicts "orthodox", it's deceptive, and all new labels invented by individuals who want "Judaism" to exist for their "modern" American lifestyles and to "obey" on their terms, are not really any different in principle than Reform or "Conservative" (i.e., Liberal), because all wayward "ways" claim to have new "insight", "foresight", and "authority" that trumps the insight, foresight, and authority of the sages and tsadikkim of our past. Our "advancements" should never trump, abrogate, or "modernize" our past, it should only reinforce... from "strength to strength" !!! Be well.