Comments on: A model for Orthodox inclusiveness

By: Zsofi Zsilinszky

Zsofi Zsilinszky — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 07:54:26 +0000

This is an interesting topic, thank you for your answer. A lot depends on the leader then.
I wonder what happens in the circular model if it turns out that one recent development shifted the center of the circle, and the action needs to be undone in some way.
If for example expanding the circle to the right proved to be too much, and the leader walks back on this expansion, does he also have to walk back on the expansion to the left in order to restore the original balance?

By: David Lapin

David Lapin — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:09:52 +0000

South Africa has its problems like every country. We need to be cautious not to allow its challenges and areas of serious mismanagement blind us to the miracles of the areas in which it is vibrantly successful. Very few whites have been leaving in the last several years and many who did earlier, have been returning. I was one who left believing SA didn't have a chance at significant success. I was wrong in that belief and am proud to still be serving clients and communities there during my frequent visits.

By: David Lapin

David Lapin — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:06:59 +0000

Thank you Joshua.

By: David Lapin

David Lapin — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:06:46 +0000

You have a good point, Zsofi. A leader needs to be vigilant that the circle is expanding proportionately and not becoming some monstrous image that no longer resembles anything circular at all. In the case of orthodoxy this can be assisted through ensuring that expansions on both sides are within halacha, and that the center-point is comfortable with both the entire circumference even if the extremities are not.

By: Zsofi Zsilinszky

Zsofi Zsilinszky — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 19:19:23 +0000

"By expanding inclusiveness to both the left and the right, Rabbi Mirvis has skillfully kept the center-point of his brand of orthodoxy unchanged. "

That is, if we assume that right and left are equal in size and have the same amount of influence on the circle. Which is doubtful, because why would they — different things don't become each other's equivalents just by being placed into an arbitrary metaphor of circle and sides.

Another question: how did inclusiveness work out for South Africa?

By: אבי קסנר

אבי קסנר — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:27:58 +0000

With the current state of South Africa, and the number of whites who have fled the country, I'm not sure using South Africa is a good example for what you are trying to say.

By: Joshua Markovitz

Joshua Markovitz — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:20:15 +0000

How gracious of the author to praise Rabbi Mirvis so warmly, when only a few weeks ago both were running neck-and-neck for the position of Chief Rabbi. Kol Hakavod!

By: Joshua Markovitz

Joshua Markovitz — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:20:15 +0000

How gracious of the author to praise Rabbi Mirvis so warmly, when only a few weeks ago both were running neck-and-neck for the position of Chief Rabbi. Kol Hakavod!