https://www.torahmusings.com/2011/06/was-rav-hirsch-modern-orthodox/
R. Blau lists the following two of R. Hirsch’s views that are NOT Modern Orthodox:
Non- (or anti-)Zionism
Separation from the non-Orthodox community
I would have added R. Hirsch’s staunch opposition to the academic study of Judaism. He wrote at length against it, declaring many of its practitioners heretics — including the great Orthodox halakhist R. David Tzvi Hoffmann!
R. Blau proceeds to list the following of R. Hirsch’s views that are consistent with Modern Orthodoxy, stopping to prove the assertions that may be controversial:
Analyzing biblical characters as great but flawed human beings
Considering the legends of the Talmud (aggados) to be non-binding
Asserting that the science of the talmudic sages was occasionally incorrect
Encouraging women’s intellectual development
Embracing a Universalist belief in the spiritual value of all people regardless of race, sex, nationality or religion
Believing in the inherent value in secular studies, including the liberal arts
RSRH is not MO and never identified as MO. His separation from the rest of the local Jewish community to ensure the purity of his group is sure proof of that.
ReplyDeleteMO's adopted him mostly because he was a rationalist and they could relate to that.
He's not the same MO as you get in yeshiva university. But his educational program combines yeshiva and university.
DeleteThe difference is between TIDE and TuM is that TIDE uses secular fields of knowledge to enhance Torah. If knowing science and math makes you understand Torah better, then it's legitimate to study it but it has no independent value.
DeleteTuM, on the other side, assigns independent value to secular stuff. Knowing science and math is a positive thing in and of itself.
Yeah right, that's why HIrsch and friends would go to classical concerts. There is a lot of Hareidi arrogance about their own stupidity. There's one BT influencer who says "Bach is better than the Beatles". OK gezundheit if you prefer classical music. But they also say "oh, in Germany it was high culture, so it's OK, but today it is low culture". See where that lead to.
DeleteI don't think your distinction is correct though. Firstly, not everyone can be a Talmudic scholar. in fact, most rabbis are not expert in this field. Next, Science or any other field, is necessary for a large number of professions and careers. it is only reshaim who pose as Rabbis who wish to destroy people's livelihoods. Even if someone is not trained in a university, there are other field where one needs training , be it diamonds, jewellery, agriculture, etc.