Dear Avira,
I’m not talking about the ultimate level of Yiddishkeit. This discussion is about the minimum line. What makes it be (exist) even in it’s non utopian form. The level of what is within the fold is not on par with the ultimate Jew. For me to grow, i have to keep raising the bar. But that has nothing to do with my perception of my fellow yidden.
“chovos halevavos”
The author is clearly pointing out how the masses are not fulfilling their potential. He does not say that they are below the standards of Judaism.
“Leibowitz”
I’m not familiar. Those were my own words.
“Fear of communal reprisal”
Nope. Identifying as a Jew. And realizing that that comes with specific duties.
“Kaplan”
There are many different portrayals of him. I do not have a good idea of what he thought, or was like. (Or practiced.)
“Hirsch”
I’m aware of the debate. But I do not recall that he invoked a cherem. On his polemic against Frankel, he repeatedly writes that if it was just a matter of personal understanding than he would not have spoken out. His protest was that he was teaching these theories to his students.
“Exhortation after exhortation”
I’m aware of the six constant mitzvos. That they are constantly required of every Yid, is a long discussion. I’m in sync with every word of said discussion. But fulfilling the six mitzvos constantly, is The Ultimate Jew. We are examining The Borderline Jew.
“Reform”
Your missing a good chunk of it. And they never developed any way that faith can be measured. In other words, they could not come up with any commitment. Which is why the Eighteenth Century choice can be summed up as Reform versus commitment.
“Conservative”
Nice definition!
“Reconstructionism”
I do not know what it’s about. Still, I do not think your correct.
“Orthodox”
Was coined as a term for those that would not waver in their commitment or practice. If you term based on a theological purpose, you’ll be constantly throwing people out of Orthodoxy. If one authority would gain control of Orthodox Belief’s for a thousand years, than all the Jews would be thrown out and cone to be considered unorthodox.
“Acharai Levavchem”
Six mitzvos. See above.
“Tefilah”
The concept of Avodah always requires more than just mere participation. It requires real devotion. Otherwise, it’s not (an) Avodah. This is not a concept of Torah or Judaism. It is simply what Tefilah intrinsically is.
“Tachas asher lo avadatah”
This is the tochachah. It goes on the community at large. Even though there is such people that fit into the description of Simple Jew or Basic Jew, we are still expected to get closer to the ultimate as a whole community.
“War”
Just being faithful to the Torah does not win us miraculous wars. If it did, every Jewish battle would be the Six-Day War. We have to really be on the level, to blow the shofar and have the walls fall down. That is how Achan’s transgressions derailed an entire campaign.
“Mitzvos trichos kavanah”
Is not relevant here. The thought content of our actions have nothing to do with axioms.
“Known idol worshipper, because he believes”
Nothing to with what I posted, but just because one actively worships idols it does not mean we know his beliefs.
“Belief in mitzvos”
My entire post was belief in mitzvos! How did you miss that?!?
“….no such thing as a mitzvah without a mitzaveh.”
Exactly my point. But knowing what it means to belief in a creator, or what is a permissible explanation of atzmus haguf, is irrelevant to mitzvah performance.
“Above all…”
Sorry, but I’m not placing your quote. But the verse of ‘And you should live by them’ refers to all the different levels of life. Including those who practice just to receive reward. i e Those who are not regarding Hashem as part of their purpose.
“Mesillas Yesharim”
That is how we complete our purpose. Not what makes us tolerable.
“Therapist”
I was never a patient by any mental health professional.
“Problems with emunah”
I never struggled with emunah.
“Normal Avodas Hashem”
No idea why you put the word normal in there. But we agree that what I detailed my post, should not be confused with Avodas Hashem.
This has been quite a debate! I really advocate coming to peace with the fact the Yeshiva is on a higher Torah locale, than the majority of Jews. Denigrating the level of the Jews outside the Yeshiva, is one of the few things that can wither the Spirit of the Yeshivos.