Among Modern Orthodox thinkers, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik (the Rav) stands as one of the gedolei Torah (giants of Torah). He’s modern, in the sense that his philosophy is centered on man’s relationship with G-d. The Rav described Judaism as being “theo-centric but anthropo-oriented”; that is, G-d still is at the center of Jewish thought but, instead of dwelling on G-d’s attributes, the Rav saw man’s relationship with G-d as key. The Rav is Orthodox because his philosophy is Halakho-centric; not through philosophy or Kabbalah, but through the study and practice of Halakha does one best connect to G-d.
In his youth, the Rav studied Halakha for some 12 years. He used the Brisker method. This method “identifies two approaches to an issue, both of which are necessary to understand an issue in its entirety.” The Brisker method of study gave rise to a central component of Rabbi Soloveitchik’s mature thought – the dialectic. The dialectic is the subject of the essay, “Majesty and Humility.” It’s also the name of a new book of the Rav’s philosophy, by Rabbi Reuven Ziegler (Urim Publications/OU Press). Rabbi Ziegler is director of research and archives of the Toras HoRav Foundation, which exists to disseminate Rabbi Soloveitchik’s philosophy.
Majesty and Humility refers to characteristics of G-d and man. Just as G-d displays both majesty and humility, those who walk in G-d’s ways also display the traits of majesty and humility. Majesty refers to G-d in His infinite vastness and distance (especially in times of joy and elation). Humility refers to G-d in His nearness and relatedness (especially in times of crisis and suffering).
Continue reading “Explaining the Rav’s Worldview”