The Coming Cataclysm: The Orthodox-Reform Rift and the Future of the Jewish People

The growing polarization of the Jewish community constitutes a clear and present danger to the unity of the Jewish people. Well-intentioned pleas to embark on all-out efforts to assure our survival as one people will hardly be of any avail. What divides us are not only ideological differences but irreconcilable conflicts about the nature of Jewish identity and status. We are faced with a situation where frequently Jews who abide by the Halakhah will have to disqualify as marriage partners many individuals who would be perfectly acceptable to Reform Judaism There are no easy solutions to these agonizing problems. The difficulties arise not from institutional concerns, parochialism, or lack of good will, but reflect fundamental theological differences. Rabbi Reuven Bulka, one of the most dynamic leaders of the North American rabbinate, deserves the gratitude of all segments of the Jewish community for articulating the issues so cogently and compelling us to confront them squarely. What is so refreshing about his approach is the emphasis upon the need for developing the kind of options which could be adopted by the various religious movements without compromising the integrity of their respective positions Religion is neither politics nor business. In the spiritual sphere one cannot settle issues by making concessions. Total commitment is the very essence of a religious attitude. But what is needed is the ability to transcend institutional or denominational concerns in the quest for solutions that will enhance the welfare of the entire Jewish people.History shows that in various areas of endeavor, important breakthroughs were achieved once the proper questions were asked Whatever reservations we may entertain about some of the specific recommendations of the author, he has placed us in his debt for his brilliant formulation of the questions which must be put on the agenda if we are serious about creative Jewish survival.