Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

Page 12 text:

Be a Jew in your home and a man in the streets, was the rallying cry of Judah Leib Gordon, the poet of East European Haskalah, who felt that this approach would lead to a general acceptance of Jewish par- ticipation in Russian society. He himself, though, sad- ly discovered that his formula would not work; those young people who had espoused this doctrine aban- doned the ways of Judaism to graze in foreign fields, severing all ties with the faith of their parents and ancestors.

Page 11 text:

The inllucncc of the Rav extends to the practical realm of world affairs as well, particularly in his inspiring leadership in behalf of the Mizrachi religious Zionist Movement. The Rav regards the State of Israel as part of the historical religious destiny of our people, not merely as a secular political entity. He has, therefore, devoted his energies and his considerable ability to further the cause of religious Zionism in Israel and support the rebuilding of the Slate. Above all, in a world of narrow specialization, the Rav is a singular reminder of how broad a Torah scholar can be. His incredible erudition in many secular disciplines fits harmoniously into his Torah-true outlook. His concept of Torah knowledge is constantly expanding, incorporating a multiplicity of perspectives and skills. Unafraid of complexities and apparent contradictions the Rav simultaneously penetrates to the core of the idea while showing the validity of dif- fering approaches. We could never hope to duplicate the results of the Rav ' s genius but we can share in the realization that a religious Jew can think in large terms and need not fear confronting new ideas.

Page 13 text:

The philosophy of Yeshiva University rejects Gordon ' s credo. To be a functioning, contributing member of society, a Jew need not sacrifice his heritage; on the contrary, the goal of the Yeshiva graduate is to incorporate his Jewishncss with everything he does and have it permeate all facets of his life. Granted, today ' s America differs greatly from 19th century Russia; yet like Gordon in his time, we are confronted with a society from which assimilation beckons temptingly. Our reac- tion to this beckoning must be one of renewed and expanded commitment.