As a member of a Modern Orthodox synagogue (founded by a rabbi who now teaches at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah), I was deeply disturbed by the recent proclamation of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America [the Council of Sages], the rabbis who guide the Agudath Israel of America. Their statement denigrated and attempted to delegitimize Rabbi Avi Weiss, a giant of contemporary American Jewry, as well as the institutions he founded and the graduates of said institutions.
Perhaps these alleged Gedolei Hatorah have forgotten that frumkeit [religious observance] without goodness and ethics is meaningless in the eyes of the Almighty. Indeed, our Holy Temple was destroyed not by the might of the Roman armies but rather, because of sinat chinam [hatred between brothers].
Every Shabbos in our prayers we ask God to protect the State of Israel from its many enemies. Perhaps we also need to ask God to protect Klal Yisrael [the Jewish people] from an even greater danger — each other.
Merrick, L.I.
