 |
| Dr. Paul Vosolov (Mishpacha) |
But just like Rabbi Adlerstein, I have my issues with them.
One of which I have discussed quite extensively. Which is their refusal to
publish any pictures of women regardless of how modestly they are dressed. But
I understand what’s behind their editorial policy. As noted in the article:
There are things that Mishpacha still cannot do, say, or challenge. If it would, the entire enterprise – sensitive to both the demands of a very diverse market, and the censorious barbs of extremists – could collapse.
I don’t know about collapse. But it would certainly hurt
their bottom line. Mishpacha is in the business of making money. Magazines make
money through paid advertisements. Rates are set by the number of readers. The
greater the readership, the higher the advertising rates — and the more money
they make.
I do not say this disparagingly. I am a capitalist.
Mishpacha is entitled to make as much money as it can. And to use whatever
ethical means are at their disposal to make that happen. But that doesn’t make
me feel any better about the editorial policy that results from it. About which
Rabbi Adlerstein makes some very valid points.
Mishpacha’s recent cover story is about Dr. Paul Vosolov’s
plan to build a billion-dollar fixed endowment fund for yeshivos in Israel.
That would solve the financial crisis facing what they call the “Olam HaTorah”.
A crisis resulting from the government conditioning any further financial aid
on thier participation in the IDF. Which the Charedi world overwhelmingly
rejects - accusing the Israeli government of waging a war against the Torah
itself!
Without explicitly saying so, Mishpacha’s editorial views on
this issue seems to be identical to that of Israel’s Charedi leadership — a
perspective that I have long questioned. And to this day cannot understand.
Even though I am 100% certain that this is their genuine belief. As is their
belief that the “Olam HaTorah” is exclusively their domain. They do not see any
other form of yeshiva as a valid expression of Torah Judaism.
There are few issues of public concern to the Jewish people
that upset me more than this.
Rabbi Adlerstein is far more of a gentleman than I am and
would never put it the way I do. At the same time, the commentary in his
article suggests that, in his heart of hearts, he may be as upset as I am. For
the same reasons.
Although he admires the dedication to diligent Torah study
that is the hallmark of the Charedi yeshiva world, he nevertheless recognizes
its serious shortcomings, which the Mishpacha article ignores...
To continue reading - and/or to comment on this post - click on this link: substack. You must subscribe to receive new posts. It's easy and it's free.
