Author Description

The articles in the Community section speak of the need for the Orthodox Jewish community to involve itself with the secular world in which they live. "Toward a Conservative Chareidiism" directs itself primarily to the Hareidi community in Israel, explains that the politically conservative ideology and traditional values and lifestyle of Judaism call for them to integrate into Israeli society to ensure the Jewish state with Jewish values. In "Emerging from Isolation" the author argues that a change of attitude is called for in America as well. If the Orthodox community develops a clear sense of mission and purpose, it may help strengthen these values in future generations. The articles in our Jewish Thought section are also related to Israel’s destiny and responsibilities. One deals with the vision of Israel's future by two of its greatest modern leaders. "Pre-Messianic Modifications in the Thought of Rav Kook and the Lubavitcher Rebbe" argues that while there seems to be little in common between the Religious-Zionist community of Israel and the Habad community of Crown Heights, leaders of both these communities believed we are living in a time close to the coming of Mashiah. This requires shifting our perspective to be more in line with the characteristics of the messianic era in order to accelerate the process. The other essay in this section, "Moral Intuition and Jewish Ethics" asks our community to see whether we express the ethical values of the Torah in our own lives before we prepare to influence others. Mourning and loss are the backdrop of this issue. A special section deals with mourning in specific instances. In "A Note on Comforting Parents Who Suffer a Perinatal Loss" the author writes that "the current generally silent response of the community can create distress instead of nehama." He recommends a change in community response to this sorrowful circumstance. The other article, "Guidance on the Loss of a Baby or Fetus" seeks to provide guidance and str