An 'immense world of delight'

More from the poet, Kenneth Koch:

"I think poetry really accomplishes something and is really useful. I think it connects us to the world we use, to our language, and connects those words to things that are outside of us, that are out of our control most of the time and in many ways and enables us to feel a kind of mastery of those things, to participate in them, to have experiences we wouldn't otherwise have, and to understand things and see things that we wouldn't otherwise see. Blake speaks of the 'immense world of delight' which may exist in things without our knowing it -- I think poetry can help one to be close to whatever that is."

From my experience, religion and philosophy at their best can do the same thing.

More from Rabbi Walter Wurzburger

In an earlier post I began to quote from the work of Walter Wurzburger. In particular from his book Ethics of Responsibilty. I wanted to continue that today.

The pluralism of Jewish ethics manifests itself in the readiness to operate with a number of independent ethical norms and principles such as concern for love, justice, truth, and peace. Since they frequently give rise to conflicting obligations, it becomes necessary to rely upon intuitive judgments to resolve the conflict. There is, however, another dimension to the pluralism of Jewish ethics: it is multi-tiered and comprises many strands. It contains not only objective components such as duties and obligations, but also numerous values and ideals possessing only subjective validity. Moreover, the pluralistic thrust of Jewish ethics makes it possible to recognize the legitimacy of many alternate ethical values and ideals. p5

I love Rabbi Wurzburger's humanity that comes through in his writing. In every word I sense his conern for the reader and his hope that his writings will enhance the reader's understanding and practice of ethics.

What I find fascinating is the juxtaposition in one paragraph of these phrases:

• "pluralism of Jewish ethics"
• "rely upon intuitive judgments to resolve the conflict"
• "multi-tiered and comprises many strands"
• "legitimacy of many alternate ethical values and ideals"

Certainly these phrases aren't how the Halakhah or orthodox Judaism are portrayed in the media, or I would argue even in the discussions that I read in blogs like Hirhurim Musings or in most shiurim from YU. Perhaps I am missing something, or I wonder if Rabbi Wurzburger's ideas and writings aren't within the mainstream anymore. I know that he was a student of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik and a professor at Yeshiva University, but as is clear from the field of discussion about Rav Soloveitchik, there are a wide, wide range of opinions about him and his legacy.

I would love to hear from someone at YU about the how Rabbi Wurzburger's work is seen today.

Of course, this paragraph does not make Rabbi Wurzburger into some liberal, anything goes reformer as this next paragraph shows:

For me, Halakhah represents the revealed will of God. The positions of classical Reform as well as of Conservative Judaism and Reconstructionism are the very antitheses of my approach. For them, the promptings of the autonomous human conscience constitute the highest court of appeals in all ethical matters. p5

It is this fascinating tightrope between a "revealed will of God" and "intuitive judgements" that Rabbi Wurzburger walks that attracts me, because it is one that reveals a profound truth that I believe holds value for a far broader audience than would traditionally read Rabbi Wurzburger's work.

Why I write this blog

As should be clear to anyone spending time on this blog, I have a deep interest in Orthodox Judaism and its teachings, even though I am not part of the tradition. On various pages I have tried to explain my attraction, my interest and hopefully I have offered some insight.

I think that at the heart of my writing are three intentions:

1. To capture and express insights and ideas -- Often in my readings and listenings I am struck by something that moves me so much that I want to share it with others. This blog gives me that opportunity to share some of those insights with a broader audience, who may find some light and inspiration from them as well.
2. Expand the message -- I truly feel that Modern Orthodoxy has valuable and inspirational insights not just relevant for Orthodox Jews or even non-observant Jews, but for all people, and especially for all spiritual seekers of meaning and purpose. This type of "universal" message is something that I first found in the writings and shiurim of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik and just recently in Chofetz Chaim's writings on lashon hora. True, at times it takes translating and expanding of "Jew" to "person," which the writers might object to. But I believe that if it helps me and hopefully others lead more respectful, more peaceful, more God-fearing lives, then I think it is a worthwhile expansion.
3. To find a study partner -- while in various locations within the Talmud have read a number of warnings about studying by oneself, sadly at this point that is what I have been doing. Luckily, I have the amazing resources that are present online and in book form, but I would enjoy being able to discuss and study with one or more individuals. As more people come to the blog, perhaps one or two might be interested in studying with me, for example someone from Rabbi Rosensweig's shiur (though I know I am like a kindergarten student in comparison). I know that I would be an unusual partner, but one never knows what could come of it. If you are interested please leave a comment or email me.

A celebration of itself and all creation . . .

This is a paragraph that I read the other day from "Kenneth Koch's Seasons on Earth," an article following Koch's death in 2002. I thought it was beautiful and I wanted to share it.

That is one of the things that Koch — who died on July 6, succumbing to the leukemia he had fought for a year — had figured out for himself and his students long ago: Anger is useless, but you can transmute it into something beautiful or charming or funny or true. Not that therapy is the primary goal; it is just a beneficial byproduct of the process. The primary goal is poetry, which can be written anywhere, by anyone, and is properly understood as a celebration of itself and all creation. Poetry was what happened when you liberated the imagination. Poetry was joy, and what’s more — and contrary to some highly publicized cases of suicidal, despondent or deranged poets — you didn’t need to be in agony in order to write it, and you didn’t need to show a solemn face to the world.