Topics Hashkafa

1 topics

1.1 secular knowledge
1.2 modernity
1.3 gender roles
1.4 redemption

topics
secular knowledge

judaism values secular knowledge , non-jews study it. talmud in brachot 58a says 1 sees non-jewish scholar should make blessing: blessed gave wisdom flesh , blood. however, extent jew should immerse himself in secular knowledge contentious. argue pursuit of secular knowledge complements , refines understanding of jewish religious knowledge. fundamental principle of torah u’madda, idea closely associated yeshiva university. others view secular knowledge worthwhile endeavor long serves practical end, such learning biology become physician.

yet others vehemently oppose pursuing secular knowledge believe not valuable enough. believe secular knowledge dangerous because contains ideas antithetical torah , can cause people stray religious life. evolution 1 popular example.

modernity

because orthodox judaism entrenched in tradition, question of how incorporate , adapt modernity, in terms modern of culture , thought, lies @ center of disagreements between orthodox groups. modern orthodox jews view interactions world around them , development of society integral part of theology. not view modernity threat; embrace it. modern orthodox jews view citizens of modern world. great jewish thinkers such rabbi samson raphael hirsch , rabbi joseph soloveitchik integrated modern thought worldview. hasidism opposed idea of integrating modern ideas , culture well-established theological thought. hasidic jews not wear modern clothing, while modern orthodox jews find no objection it, provided clothing modest.

gender roles

the appropriate role of women in jewish life , society @ large varies across spectrum of hashkafas. hashkafas more readily incorporate modern thought jewish life, tend believe in greater gender equality. however, not ignore framework of halacha , sacrifice adherence jewish tradition end.

some hashkafas not address or value gender equality; consequently, distinct gender roles magnified. many women, within hasidic community, take pride in unique role homemakers, , make family , children main focus. currently, there disagreement educational curriculum women, particularly if talmud may studied women. exception of modern orthodoxy, majority of hashkafas not allow women study talmud.

redemption

since emergence of zionist movement, many questions have arisen permissibility of autonomous jewish state in land of israel prior arrival of messiah. issue complicated because jewish homeland governed secular jews not strictly orthodox. there oppose state of israel in entirety , reject legitimacy. religious zionists , modern orthodox jews view state of israel first step in process of redemption. modern day israel particularly antagonistic subject because line between hashkafa , halakha in area blurry. hasidic groups believe autonomous jewish state in land of israel forbidden jewish law, , label zionists heretics.