Say no to brainwashing
Writing in the Jerusalem Post, Danielle Kubes takes aim at Aish Hatorah, NCSY and other Orthodox outfits running outreach programs for non-Orthodox youth:
The organizations present their Judaism as the uniquely accurate one, the Halacha that the non-Orthodox have merely forgotten but that all their ancestors invariably followed. Their assumption that all our great-great-grandparents grew up in an Eastern European shtetl contributes to divisiveness among Jews, for it fails to acknowledge that Halacha has had a variety of interpretations across different times and cultures. ...A false dilemma is presented: Be secular and remain in impurity, where life is merely a game played for fun - or move toward a purpose and filled with holiness.
When presented so simply, which road seems more attractive?
The organizations transmit these teachings through trip leaders who often succeed in making observance seem fun and relevant, at least for the duration of the program.
But the teachings are superficial and the Orthodox world they present bears not a trace of dissatisfaction.
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Michael is right. Anyone who questions the methods and goals of Big Kiruv, especially Big Aish, obviously is “lacking” in knowledge of his Jewish heritage.
RE: “...trip leaders who often succeed in making observance seem fun and relevant,...” Gee, could it be possible that maybe observance IS enjoyable and relevant? Many thousands of observant Jews of all ages find it so. As they say, don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Judaism as practiced by Torah-observant Jews is a rich and wonderful experience. I’ve led a secular life and a more-observant life, and I can tell you (no, I’m not brainwashed) that the values and lifestyle of observant Jews is a much healthier (emotionally and otherwise) way to live.
Hey,
I enjoy reading Aish, and numerous other religious texts. I did not notice any brainwashing, at least no more than mum’s Anglican faith, or Catholicism, et al
Smiles,
A Deist, Goy Zionist - oops, nearly forgot, a Feminist
I’m not Jewish but I do have many jewish friends. Some of which, I am their only non-jewish friend. I have seen many go on trips with Aish etc. to Israel that have returned not only more orthodox which to me seems to be quite posotive in many ways but also less and less able to assosiate with those out side the community with wihich they have found them selves part. This has got to the extreme where many have totaly removed them selves from both family and friend circles they once treasured. Are these movements activly encouraging people to disasociate themselves with aquaintaces out side of the movement they have joined? (or am I barking up the wrong tree)? Please advise. Should I be worried about organisations like Aish?
Rob, you’re right to be concerned. And the rest of you have me concerned. Why does thoughtfully questioning Orthodox outreach automatically make one a confused, self-hating Jew? Why do Jews have only the following two options: Orthodoxy, or moral bankruptcy? And by the way, they’re not mutually exclusive. Lastly, Kerry, Aish is not a “religious text”, but rather an organization engaged in bringing non-observant Jews to Orthodoxy.
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Michael Rosner
07/17/08 12:46 PM
So is Ami Edens answer the moral bankruptcy that is prevalent in Israel? Or perhaps it is his own lack or knowledge of his Jewish Heritage?