By Mendy Herson
 | For the record, I should state that I value moderation. I try to practice it and I teach it to my kids. So when the reporter blurted out, "You're pretty radical!" I took that as a pejorative comment...
12 Comments Posted
Radicalism or fundamentalism, as conventionally applied with respect to religion, is antithetical to Judaism. Im appalled by this articles unwarranted adulation for radical Shiite rituals, which have been used to justify rampant murder. Infuriating me further, the article insinuate a comparison, in committedness, b/w practicing Jews and practicing Muslims, *It dawned on me that people probably looked at me the same way that I, instinctively, had viewed him [a radical Islamist].*
Is it just me, or has this article grossly distorted Judaisms inherent non fundamentalists acceptance of other people practices (hence, the very reason we dont feel compelled to seek converts & believe in the cardinal principle of Ahavas Yisroel) compared to Islam/Xianities need to convince, by persuasion or the sword, others to believe as they do? The thought of comparing these very different types of *fundemantalism* is real radicalism !
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Very interesting lesson from the difference between blood spilled in the Temple and that spilled for personal benefit.
Question: Bovine and ovine blood NEVER needs to be covered, even when slaughtered outside the Temple for personal benefit. Other Kosher animals' (such as deer) blood and birds' blood DO need to be covered after slaughter.
The only animals that were used for sacrifices in the Temple were bovine and ovine (bulls, sheep and goats). Their blood never needed to be covered. The only blood that was covered outside the Temple, but not in the Temple was that of the Doves and pigeons.
Rabbi Herson, can you expand your lesson to reflect this distinction between the two categories of blood (bovine/ovine and non domestic animals/birds) and their respective need to be covered or not when slaughtered outside of the Temple rituals?
Thank you.
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From one radical to another (according to Webster's Dictionary), great job. Because you are neither cold or hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. Doesn't bode to well for our "moderate" friends. (grin)
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I've enjoyed Rabbi Herson's writings very much this week and last. He makes his point in a very clear manner. Thank you.
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This is one of the best on line pieces I have seen from Chabbad. It is in the first person, easy to read, understand and avoids using untranslated Hebrew. Please foward my thanks to the author.
P.S. I am thrilled our neighborhood finally has a Chabad (R&R Wolvovsky)
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Eli Federman should calm down and read the article again... It simply says that the Rabbi realized that other people viewed him as radical and therefore he began exploring what that actually means.
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We must learn a lesson in the service of Hashem from everything in this world. As well as to redirect the "PASSION" (not G-d forbid the "adulation for radical Shiite rituals") that a shiite applies to his outrageous rituals.
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I have always believed that a "fanatic" or a "radical" is a person who loves G-d more than the person who is judging them!
Yes there are truly crazies out there, but how come it is somehow perfectly "normal" for a man to strip to the waist in freezing weather, paint his body strange colors, swill beer and scream obscenities at sporting events (which to my mind have questionable eternal value), but conversely, when we express our unwavering belief in and dependence on G-d as the Author and Sustainer of our existence, we are seen as "radical"?
Thank you for the insight about the blood. As a believer in Christianity I am grateful for the Jewish perspective on these things- I find it strengthens my faith while giving me an indespensible insight into the roots of what I believe.
Thank you also for being a fellow "radical" :)
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First of all excuse my poor english.. I'm french..
I really found your essay very good... And I personnaly believe that we all should be radical.. Jewish law that are divine law made to us, human being... are de facto perfect... Being rignt with this law is being right with ourself and right toward the world...
Sow being radical toward this laws are a must ! And then it's normal .. it should be more than normal....
And then, the one who does'nt understand, should search, till he finds..
If it's thora law's , divin"s law... he'll certainly find the answer...
Really appreciate this concept such as Bitachon... We have to do our job the way it is !
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Mr. Herson, you're article was recomended to to me by a friend.
I’m not yet Jewish (officially) and my friend was not raised Jewish, but we both feel that radical (as opposed to “lifeless”) Judaism is attractive but find it hard to break from our past lives of conformity to supposed normalcy.
However, I think I am already radical in my own way. For example, I wanted to spend the only free time I had today reading some material by Feldheim Publishers on the laws and themes of Shabbos for beginners. That was the most normal thing I could have done, in my own logical self-understanding; however, it is not something I can explain to my parents, siblings, or new friends very easily.
After work, I did not come home and watch American Idol, or whatever is on TV these days, I took a shot of Grey Goose, and made some kosher chicken soup in a cup and went to my laptop.
Your article was better for my soul than the vodka, the chicken flavored soup, or anything else at the moment.
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great article, rabbi! keep on writing. anybdy that has issues with this obviousl didnt read it well
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