Can Orthodox Judaism Be Reformed? with Rabbi Irving Greenberg
Feb 20, 2025
auto_awesome
Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg, a leading theologian in American Jewry and author of "The Triumph of Life," dives deep into the potential for reform within Orthodox Judaism. He tackles controversial topics like gay marriage and the role of women in the clergy. Greenberg reflects on God's presence during the Holocaust and the evolution of Jewish history, emphasizing the shift toward personal responsibility. He advocates for inclusivity, encouraging a balance between tradition and modernity in addressing societal challenges.
Rabbi Greenberg outlines three eras of Jewish history, emphasizing humanity's growing responsibility in shaping a just world amid divine absence.
He argues for tikkun olam as a partnership between God and humans, necessitating personal accountability in combating local and global injustices.
The discussion highlights a transformative approach to traditional practices, particularly regarding gender equality, reflecting Judaism's adaptation to contemporary social values.
Deep dives
The Three Eras of Jewish History
The discussion introduces the concept of three distinct eras within Jewish history, which Rabbi Greenberg defines as biblical Judaism, rabbinic Judaism, and modern culture. In biblical Judaism, God's presence is dominant, and miracles are a common occurrence, guiding the Jewish people. With the advent of rabbinic Judaism, God takes a self-limiting approach, allowing humans to interpret their responsibilities and navigate the world independently. Currently, in the modern era, God is perceived as hidden, placing full responsibility on humanity to pursue the vision of transforming the world into a paradise.
Partnership with God
Rabbi Greenberg argues that Judaism embodies a vision of tikkun olam, which means restoring the world to a state of paradise through human effort in conjunction with divine purpose. The essence of this vision is a covenantal partnership where both God and humanity play critical roles. He emphasizes that this partnership is not solely about large-scale global changes but also addresses personal and localized actions against life’s adversities, such as poverty and oppression. This call for action is rooted in the belief that humans must step up and take responsibility for their actions in the absence of visible divine intervention.
Reflections on the Holocaust
The conversation delves deeply into the theological implications of the Holocaust, prompting a profound exploration of God's presence during this tragic event. Rabbi Greenberg posits that rather than abandoning humanity, God is present among the suffering, sharing in the pain of those oppressed. He asserts that it is humanity's responsibility, shaped by our ability to act or remain passive, that ultimately influences outcomes during crises. The narrative emphasizes a shift from questioning God's presence to examining human accountability and the necessity for collective action against injustice.
The Evolution of Jewish Identity
The Rabbi describes his personal journey of grappling with faith and identity after experiencing the intense suffering of the Holocaust, shaping his theology. He explores the tension between maintaining Jewish traditions and embracing modern interpretations that align with contemporary values regarding equality and social justice. The transformation involves recognizing the infinite value and uniqueness of every human life, leading to a re-evaluation of traditional practices, particularly in regard to women's roles within Jewish religious life. This evolution reflects a maturity within Judaism that seeks to adapt while honoring its foundational beliefs.
Chosenness and Interfaith Dialogue
Rabbi Greenberg touches on the concept of chosenness, explaining that this notion signifies a unique connection with God that includes both love and responsibility. He suggests that the values inherent in Judaism are meant to contribute positively to global society rather than exist in isolation. Emphasizing the importance of interfaith cooperation, he advocates for a pluralistic approach where different religions can contribute toward a shared mission of improving the world, all while preserving their distinct identities. This perspective positions Judaism as part of a larger tapestry of human progress where collaborative efforts across faiths can lead to the realization of universal principles of justice and compassion.
One of American Jewry’s leading theologians and thinkers, Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg has spent decades engaging—and enraging—orthodoxy by suggesting it was time for religious Jews to examine some of their closest-held beliefs, including on such controversial issues like gay marriage or female members of the clergy. He joins Liel to discuss his new book, The Triumph of Life: A Narrative Theology of Judaism, the role of God during the Holocaust, and why he believes the ancient religion is finally old enough to grow out of some of its ancient hang-ups.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode