In the comments section of my last post a commentator wrote about what I believe to be the true fallout of the ban on Rabbi Slifkin’s books. He stated that his whole problem with all that has happened is the idea that a young earth theory has become the only valid position for a Frum person to hold.
This is what upsets me the most about this whole affair. The commentator also stated he has no problem with those who prefer to believe in a young earth. This is exactly how I feel. But to say that here-to-fore positions of an aged universe are now Kfira... is not only upsetting to me… it is upsetting to many people in the Charedi world too.
When this story first broke, I spoke with many Klei Kodesh affiliated with many differing Charedi institutions including Roshei Kollel, Roshei Yeshiva, people in Kiruv. They were completely shaken up by this ban! Of course most of them wouldn't dare contradict Rav Elyashiv, a man many consider the Gadol HaDor... but it was clear that thy were somewhat surprised by it and though accepted by them, it was not eagerly accepted.
But there were some who were nearly militant in their acceptance.
A relatively famous Kiruv worker, Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky who used to incorporate aged universe theories into his Kiruv work "got on his hands and knees" to beg Mechila for it, after finding out that Rav Elayshiv (or people speaking in his name) said such theories were Kfira.
In addressing the ban on Rabbi Slifkin’s books, Rav Aharon Feldman conceded that “the author is a fully observant chareidi Torah Jew whose intent was clearly leshem shomayim (for the sake of Heaven), to defend the honor of the Torah.” And until the ban had not been critical of him. In fact, at first it looked like he was going to defend Rabbi Slifkin. But after a brief trip to Israel to get clarity from Rav Elyashiv, he seemed to completely reverse himself to conform to the views of the banners.
There were of course those who predictably couldn’t wait to endorse the ban. Rav Moshe Sternbuch not only jumped on the “ban” wagon but went to some length explaining why it is Kefira, even though there are many Rishonim and Achronim who backed such beliefs up.
One thing I have noticed is that there are many respected Rabbanim, one of them on the Agudah Moetzes who at least initially did not jump on the “ban” wagon. Even though some of them did later, it was for reasons other than expressed by the banners. It was not because the views in Rabbi Slifkin’s book were heretical. I’m not going to get into here about whether their reasons for joining the ban were legitimate or not or why they joined at all after first resisting. But it clearly shows me that these Rabbinic leaders did not think the views contained in Rabbi Slifkin’s book are heretical.
And of course there are those like Rav Chaim Malinowitz, general editor of the Artscroll Gemmaros who still publicly support Rabbi Slifkin and the views contained in his books.
The most enlightening response to me came from a respected Rebbe in a respected Yeshiva, who wishes to remain anonymous. Ordinarily, such anonymity would bother me, especially considering the stakes. But since he is in Chinuch, it could severely affect his livelihood. He clearly blamed the ban on Rav Elyashiv’s lack any scientific knowledge at all. Rav Elyashiv lives outside that world. He does not study it and never has.
Now this has been said by many people about Rav Elyashiv... usually in very irreverent tones... mostly by anonymous bloggers. But to my knowledge it has never been said by a respected member of the Charedei world. Such talk coming from a Rebbe in a Yeshiva would surely have very great negative repercussions for this individual. But I still salute him for his honesty.
But his honest views and 25 cents won’t get you more than an hour on a city of Chicago parking meter, if it isn't made public. The fact happens to be that the Charedi world has yet to address this issue head on. If one believes as this Yeshiva Rebbe does, it would take unimaginable courage to stand up and say so publicly. It is certainly a lot easier for those who agree with Rav Elyashiv to publicly back his views.
I am told that Telzer Roshe HaYeshiva, Rabbi Chaim D. Keller will be addressing this topic in an upcoming Jewish Observer. I don’t know which side of this issue he is on but I hope it will once and for all provide clarity on this issue.
We’ll see.
