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Tablet Studios

Can Orthodox Judaism Be Reformed? with Rabbi Irving Greenberg

Feb 20, 2025
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.
01:04:59

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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.

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