Orthodoxy as a Pejorative

Brandeis ad in the New York Times Magazine (JNS)

One of the most divisive events of the last couple of centuries was when the Reform Movement was founded. While I’m sure their goal may have been to be more inclusive of Jews that were no longer observant, the effect was just the opposite. They considered Jews that clung to Halalcha to have a rigid primitive understanding of the Torah which in their 19^th century enlightened times was clearly mistaken.

That may very well be the reason they coined the term, ‘Orthodox’  Which is  defined as unwavering belief to established religious doctrine. Something an enlightened individual rejects as unscientific and irrational. This is how the ‘enlightened’ founders of Reform Judaism must have looked at observant Jews and hence coined the term.

I never thought of Orthodoxy that way. For me it simply meant being observant of Halacha which does not contradict rational thought. Unfortunately the pejorative intent of Reform’s founders has gained some currency these days. That was reflected recently in an ad for Brandies University placed in The New York Times Magazine which was titled with the following: 

“Brandeis was founded by Jews. But, it’s anything but orthodox,”

Brandeis, which was named for Louis Brandeis, the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice of the United States is not  antisemitic or even an anti Orthodox. Aware of the possible misunderstanding the ad included the following: 

Brandeis was founded by American Jews in 1948, including Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Jews. But when we say that Brandeis is anything but orthodox, we’re referring to its character 

While that explanation makes their intent clear, I agree with Malka Simkovich, chair of Jewish studies and director of the Catholic-Jewish studies program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She said the following: 

“This ad serves to marginalize Brandeis’ own Orthodox Jewish student population by dissociating their religious identities from the mission of the school,” she wrote. “So no, not antisemitic. But yes, highly problematic.” 

Orthodoxy has become a pejorative of sorts these days. It upsets me - but I understand it.  Brandies should not have used that term as they did in the context of its Jewish founders. Even though they may not have consciously intended it, it nonetheless sent a negative message about Orthodox Jews. Sadly I can understand why Orthodox Jews are seen more negatively these days. 

There has been a lot of negative news about us in the media over the last several years. Not that we are more guilty of those negative things than other segments of the Jewish population. Chances are that the percentages are the same. But Orthodox Jews are more identifiable as Jews than non Orthodox Jews. And since Orthodox Jews claim to be ethical and moral by virtue of their beliefs and practices, any criminality or aberrative behavior on our part make for a more interesting ‘man bites dog’story. 

The more ‘Orthodox’ we look the more likely will be the subject of a negative story. It may not be fair. But that is the reality.  Whether it is about fraud, sex abuse, or the refusal by the most religious looking of us to educate our children on par with the rest of society. (What is gong o in Israeli politics  right now doesn’t help either.) It reflects on all of us. .

In this sense we are our own enemy. It may be unfair for all of us to be painted with broad brushstrokes that way. But it is what journalism is all about these days  

This of course does not excuse the negative stereotyping we get. nor the pejortive way Orthodoxy is seen. But it does help explain it. Which is why I condemn it when I see it. Loudly and clearly! I would prefer we be perceived in a better light. To that end we ought to be make sure as much as humanly possible to always be aware that we are very possibly being watched and cognizant of whether our actions will be seen in negative or positive terms.  That can make a difference between making a Chilul HaShem and a Kiddush HaShem If we have enough of the latter, maybe next time word Orthodox is used will - it will be seen as positive rather than negative.