PAUL BERMAN ShohamHere versus there Sir, – Rabbi Yosef Blau (“The struggle for the soul of religious Zionism,” Comment & Features, April 3) painted an idyllic picture of modern Orthodoxy in the United States versus the “messianic” Orthodox elements here. He decries what he perceives as contrasting mentalities here yet states: “The multiplicity of views [in the US] on most issues within the boundaries of Orthodoxy is a given.” Why does he deny us here the right to a multiplicity of views? Blau is not too happy with the religious youth in the settlements but finds so much good in Diaspora youth. Yet he forgets that the former serve in the Israeli army and carry the holy burden of historic responsibility while their peers there do not. They also live closer to Itamar so that they, “the settler youth,” may see reality more clearly and vividly than do Blau and his youth.He chides the rabbis for “seeing Western morality as conflicting with Torah morality.”Come now, but of course there are many points of conflict.Does Blau believe that Western morality is equal to or ascendant over Torah morality? He seems to credit the American Jewish community with “profound growth of formal Jewish education for women.”Does Israel lag behind or has Israel been an innovator and a true pioneer in the field of education for women? Every generation has its mitzvot that cry out for fulfillment.Yes, the mitzva of settling the land (and, incidentally, living in it) is “paramount,” and the state was established precisely for those reasons.This is not Messianic. I call it being in touch with the essence of Judaism in our time. Jewish history is being written here.
SHOLOM GOLD JerusalemSir, – At the end of his piece, Yosef Blau states: “...but I realize that living in America reduces my influence.” Immediately below this, the Post notes that he is both president of the Religious Zionists of America and spiritual adviser at RIETS of Yeshiva University.Blau is correct that his influence on public policy and debate here in Israel is greatly reduced due to his current location. Imagine for a moment were he to make aliya. Imagine the influence he would have.Imagine all his students and the thousands of RZA members seeing him board that plane for Israel. There would be no greater spiritual message.ZE’EV M. SHANDALOV Ma’aleh AdumimTough, not clean Sir, – “Enough already!” is the right thing to say (“Lindenstrauss launches probe of ‘Bibitours,’” April 1). Who cares how much Prime Minister Netanyahu spent where, on whom, for meals, cigars or whatever, over 10 years ago? Israel lives in a tough neighborhood.We face an enemy that is clever and determined and has no scruples. Our military officers and governmental officials have to be tough – set the bar with excessive scrupulousness and who will serve? Given the choice between an immaculate boy scout and a tough guy with spots, Israel had better choose the latter.
MICHAEL W. GOLD Modi’in