What is Modern Orthodoxy Anyway? A Historic, Legal, and Theological Exploration
This curriculum seeks to examine Modern Orthodoxy through a study of its historic, legal, and theological origins. This course unpacks Judaism’s confrontation with modernity, Orthodoxy’s approach to halakha, challenges to Modern Orthodoxy from Conservative Judaism, and the shift of Modern Orthodox congregants to more liberal and conservative forms of Jewish practice. By focusing on Modern Orthodox Judaism: A Documentary History by Zev Eleff, Halakhah: The Rabbinic Idea of Law by Chaim Saiman, and A Living Covenant: The Innovative Spirit in Traditional Judaism by David Hartman, this course outlines the current state and future of Modern Orthodoxy as an integral movement within modern Jewish life.
Adapted from a course taught by Tikvah’s Queen’s College chapter in the spring of 2023.
Want to learn more about this syllabus? We’d be happy to speak with you.
What is Modern Orthodoxy Anyway?