Editing Modern Orthodox Judaism (section)

==Modern Orthodoxy==
Modern Orthodoxy comprises a fairly broad spectrum of movements; each movement draws upon several distinct, though related, philosophies, which (in some combination) provide the basis for all variations of the movement today.

===Characteristics===
{{See|Torah Umadda#Education|Torah im Derech Eretz#Earning a livelihood|Modern Orthodox Judaism#Haredi Judaism}}
In general, Modern Orthodoxy's "overall approach ... is the belief that one can and should be a full member of modern society, accepting the risks to remaining observant, because the benefits outweigh those risks".<ref name="HelmreichShinnar"/> Jews should engage constructively with the world that they are in to [[tikkun olam|foster goodness and justice]] within both themselves and the larger community, such as by avoiding [[sin]] in their personal lives while also [[Tzedakah|caring for the unfortunate]].

Thus, Modern Orthodoxy holds that [[halakha|Jewish law]] is [[Norm (sociology)|normative]] and [[Contract|binding]], while simultaneously attaching a positive value to interaction with the modern world. In this view, as expressed by Rabbi [[Saul Berman]],<ref>Rabbi Saul J. Berman, [http://www.shma.com/2001/02/the-ideology-of-modern-orthodoxy/ The Ideology of Modern Orthodoxy]</ref> Orthodox Judaism can "be enriched" by its intersection with modernity; further, "modern society creates opportunities to be productive citizens engaged in the Divine work of [[tikkun olam|transforming the world to benefit humanity]]". At the same time, in order to preserve the integrity of [[halakha]], any area of "powerful inconsistency and conflict" between Torah and modern culture must be filtered out.<ref>This includes Modern Orthodox's unequivocal stance prohibiting its members from engaging in gay and Lesbian relationships. There is, however, a difference of opinion as to what stance to take with individuals who violate [[halakha]] in this regard. See {{cite web |url= http://statementofprinciplesnya.blogspot.co.il/ |title= Statement of principles of the orthodox rabbis |access-date=15 September 2012}}</ref>

Modern Orthodoxy also assigns a central role to the "People of Israel".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.edah.org/backend/coldfusion/search/document.cfm?title=Some%20Comments%20on%20Centrist%20Orthodoxy&hyperlink=lamm21%2Ehtml&type=Document&category=Orthodoxy%20and%20Modernity&authortitle=Rabbi%20Dr&firstname=Norman&lastname=Lamm&pubsource=Tradition%2C%2022%3A3&authorid=285 |title=Rabbi Norman Lamm: Some Comments on Centrist Orthodoxy |access-date=2004-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007174857/http://www.edah.org/backend/coldfusion/search/document.cfm?title=Some%20Comments%20on%20Centrist%20Orthodoxy&hyperlink=lamm21%2Ehtml&type=Document&category=Orthodoxy%20and%20Modernity&authortitle=Rabbi%20Dr&firstname=Norman&lastname=Lamm&pubsource=Tradition%2C%2022%3A3&authorid=285 |archive-date=2016-10-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Here two characteristics are manifest: in general, Modern Orthodoxy places a high [[nationalism|national]], as well as religious, significance on the [[State of Israel]], and institutions and individuals are, typically, [[Zionist]] in orientation; relatedly, involvement with non-orthodox Jews will extend beyond "[[Baal teshuva#Orthodox outreach organizations|outreach]]" to include institutional relations and cooperation; see [[Torah Umadda#Centrality of the People of Israel|further]] under ''Torah Umadda''.

Other "core beliefs"<ref name="HelmreichShinnar"/> are a recognition of the value and importance of secular studies, a commitment to equality of education for both men and women, and a full acceptance of the importance of being able to financially support oneself and one's family.

===Ideological spectrum===
{{Further|Orthodox Judaism#Diversity|Joseph B. Soloveitchik#Debate over world view|Torah im Derech Eretz#Interpretation}}
The specific expression of Modern Orthodoxy, however, takes many forms, and particularly over the past 30–40 years, describes a [[political spectrum]].<ref name="HelmreichShinnar">William B. Helmreich and Reuel Shinnar: [http://www.jcpa.org/cjc/jl-383-helmreich.htm Modern Orthodoxy in America: Possibilities for a Movement under Siege] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229025428/http://www.jcpa.org/cjc/jl-383-helmreich.htm |date=2008-02-29 }}</ref> Among the issues have been the extent to which Modern Orthodoxy should cooperate with the more liberal denominations, support secular academic pursuits combined with religious learning, and embrace efforts to give [[Role of women in Judaism#Present day|women a larger role]] in Jewish learning and worship;<ref>{{cite news |author=Julie Weiner |agency=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/15314/yeshiva-u-confronts-fault-lines-of-modern-orthodoxy/ |work=j Weekly |title=Yeshiva U. confronts fault lines of modern Orthodoxy |access-date=2014-11-19}}</ref> the acceptability of modern [[textual criticism]] as a tool for [[Torah study]] is also debated.<ref name="DavidBigman">Rabbi David Bigman: Finding A Home for Critical Talmud Study, ''The Edah Journal'' 2:1</ref>

To the [[Conservatism|ideological right]], the line between [[Haredi Judaism|Haredi]] and Modern Orthodox has blurred in recent years; some have referred to this trend as "haredization".<ref name="Kress" /> In addition to increasing stringency in adherence to [[Halakha]], many Modern Orthodox Jews express a growing sense of distance from the larger, secular culture.<ref name="Kress" /><ref name="Richlen"/> ("Western civilisation has moved from what was once called the [[Judeo-Christian]] ethic to a [[Consumerism|consumer-driven]], [[Freedom#Types|choice-fixated]] culture.... Such a world is not ''chol'', but ''chiloni'', not [[secular]], but [[Secularism#Secularism_in_late_20th_century_political_philosophy|secularist]]. It is impermeable to the values of ''[[Q-D-Š|kedushah]]''."<ref name="JonathanSacks">Chief Rabbi Dr. [[Jonathan Sacks]]. Shattering the Idols: The Struggle for Holiness in a Secular Age, ''Jewish Action'', Volume 62 No. 1.</ref>) Here, "the balance has tipped heavily in favor of Torah over madda (secular studies) ... [and many] have redefined 'madda' as support for making one's livelihood in the secular world, not culturally or intellectually engaging with it."<ref name="Kress" /> Although defining themselves as "centrist", institutions here include the [[Orthodox Union]] (Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America), the [[Rabbinical Council of America]], and the [[Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary]].

Adherents on the [[Left-wing politics|ideological left]] have begun to develop new institutions that aim to be outward looking while maintaining a discourse between modernity and [[halakhah]]. The resultant "[[Open Orthodoxy]]" seeks to re-engage with secular studies, Jews of all denominations and global issues. Some within this movement have experimented with orthodox egalitarianism where gender equality solutions are found through [[halakhah]]. This has led to [[Jewish feminism#Modern_Orthodox_approaches|women taking on more leadership roles]]. Others in this movement are increasingly re-engaging with [[social justice]] issues from a halakhic point of view. ''[[Tikun olam|Tikun Olam]]'' ("repairing the world") is re-mapped onto the values of social justice and basic Judaism is increasingly abandoned.<ref>{{cite news |author=Alexander Goldberg |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/subdivisions/modernorthodoxy_1.shtml |publisher=BBC |title=Modern Orthodoxy |date=2009-08-13 |access-date=2014-11-19}}</ref> See [[Yeshivat Chovevei Torah]], [[Shalom Hartman Institute]], [[Hebrew Institute of Riverdale]], [[Partnership minyan]], [[Shira Hadasha]], [[Maharat]].

===The behaviorally modern===
It is also noted<ref name="Liebman2"/><ref name="Waxman" /> that many Modern Orthodox are "behaviorally modern" as opposed to [[Modernity#Defining modernity|"ideologically modern"]], and, in truth, fall outside of "Modern" Orthodoxy, at least in the philosophical sense; see [[#Standards of observance|below]]. This phenomenon is sometimes termed "Social Orthodoxy".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-04-01|title=The Rise of Social Orthodoxy: A Personal Account|url=https://www.commentarymagazine.com/articles/jay-lefkowitz/the-rise-of-social-orthodoxy-a-personal-account/|access-date=2020-12-27|website=Commentary Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref>

The distinction is as follows: The ideologically modern are "meticulously observant of Halakha",<ref name="Waxman" /> and their interaction with the secular comprises a tangible expression of their ideology, wherever it may lie on the spectrum described. The "behaviorally modern", on the other hand, define themselves as "Modern Orthodox" only in the sense that they are neither Haredi ("Ultra-Orthodox") nor [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]]: these, in other words, are "not deeply concerned with philosophical ideas",<ref name="Waxman" /> and, often, are not as careful in their observance.

This "Orthodoxy of convenience" has maintained a certain stability over time: as long as these don't seek to legitimize their behaviour in halakhic terms, the leadership of the (Modern) Orthodox world have no particular difficulty with them.<ref name="Liebman2"/>

===Positioning===
{{See also|Orthodox Judaism #Modern Orthodoxy}}
Various highly differing views (or non views) – ranging from traditionalist to revisionist – are thus offered under the banner of "Modern Orthodoxy". In fact, even among its leadership, there is limited agreement "on the philosophical parameters of modern Orthodoxy".<ref name="HelmreichShinnar"/> The boundaries here, with respect to Haredi and Conservative Judaism, have therefore become increasingly indistinct. At the same time, some elements of [[Haredi Judaism]] appear to be more receptive to messages that have traditionally been part of the Modern-Orthodox agenda. Similarly, at Modern Orthodoxy's left, many appear to align with more traditional elements of [[Conservative Judaism]]. In discussing "Modern Orthodoxy", it is thus also important to clarify its position with reference to other movements in Judaism: see [[#Comparison with other movements|§ Comparison with other movements]] below. Further, given this wide range of views, some see the possibility that, in fact, "[t]here is no longer a cohesive, singular Modern Orthodoxy";<ref name="Hain"/> see further [[#Sociological and philosophical dilemmas|below]].