Foreword [to Modern Orthodox Judaism: A documentary history]

Abstract

There is much wisdom here, of course, but the worldview of Modern Orthodoxy argues that Amichai is wrong. At the end of the day, both the "arch from the Roman period" ( the tradition) and the "man who bought fruit and vegetables for his home" ( the contemporary) need to be in conversation, both celebrated and affirmed at the same time. Our thanks to Dr. Eleff for helping us appreciate the vital necessity and complexity-of this most important effort. (from Conclusion).... ¶ First history of the Modern Orthodox movement 'Modern Orthodox Judaism' offers an extensive selection of primary texts documenting the Orthodox encounter with American Judaism that led to the emergence of the Modern Orthodox movement. Many texts in this volume are drawn from episodes of conflict that helped form 'Modern Orthodox Judaism'. These include the traditionalists' response to the early expressions of Reform Judaism, as well as incidents that helped define the widening differences between Orthodox and Conservative Judaism in the early twentieth century. Other texts explore the internal struggles to maintain order and balance once Orthodox Judaism had separated itself from other religious movements. Zev Eleff combines published documents with seldom-seen archival sources in tracing Modern Orthodoxy as it developed into a structured movement, established its own institutions, and encountered critical events and issues-some that helped shape the movement and others that caused tension within it. (from book summary)