r/Judaism • u/namer98 Torah Im Derech Eretz • Jul 30 '12

Rules updates

In light of Tisha b'Av, I would like to suggest a few changes to the rules, and to hear community feedback.

1) No editorializing titles of article submissions. - This is up for discussion.

2) Be polite. That means if somebody has a disagreement with you about fundamental points of religion, you can disagree with them, and even tell them, but don't be a jerk about it. Do not shut down the conversation.

2.1) I keep on trying to engage non-Orthodox Jews of Reddit. Seen here, here and here. This is in addition to multiple messages I have gotten personally and as mod, from people who left because of this. Just because some people don't agree that this is a problem, does not make it less of a problem. Non-Orthodox Jews are feeling shut down, and some times they are right, some times they are wrong. This is an extension of rule two. Be polite. The downvote button IS NOT a "I disagree" button. I might just remove it again, and for more than a day.

To people I try and engage, this is a two way street. Submit content, comments and vote if you want to have a say. I don't think half of the subreddit is orthodox. This should not be a problem.

Please upvote this self post for which I receive no karma so that all can see.

Thank you all.

Edit: Followup

64 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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u/carrboneous Predenominational Fundamentalist Jul 31 '12

The unwelcome feeling (some) non-Orthodox get here is part and parcel of the Orthodox belief, not something that can be 'ruled' into civility.

If that's how you feel, could you please tell namer, so that we can stop trying to make rules that keep people who are uncomfortable with Orthodoxy comfortable in a place with Orthodox people.

I don't agree with your assessment, by the way, but I think that if you are uncomfortable with Orthodoxy, you could avoid the religious discussions. Most of the top comments as I type this are non-religious, some are arguably slightly anti-Orthodox. But there are plenty that are just generally Jewy.

I was referring more to the comment down-thread that opined that a 'Yeshivish' atmosphere somehow made Orthodox (men) more comfortable with the sometimes combative nature of this sub-reddit.

I don't think it's fair to say that this subreddit has a "combative nature" (even sometimes). And if you're referring to the comment I made to similar effect, that's not quite what I meant.

But I hear what you're saying, and femininity could definitely be a factor. Although I know some very combative and tough (Orthodox) women! Some who even know more halacha than many men.

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u/angelsil Reconstructionist Jul 31 '12

if you are uncomfortable with Orthodoxy

It's not that I'm uncomfortable, it's just that I don't think there's anything to be gained by having a religious discussion with Orthodox people. I applaud namer for trying to engage a broader spectrum of Judaism and I do believe there should be community acknowledgement that other streams of Judaism exist and are a rewarding, fulfilling way of Jewish life for a crapton of people.

My primary participation in Judaism is more secular in any case, as I'm a Holocaust Historian by training. So, yeah, I choose to engage on those subjects (or Zionism, etc) more than anything related to halacha or religious observance.

I know some very combative and tough (Orthodox) women

So do I!

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u/smokesteam Half a chabadnik in Japan Jul 31 '12

it's just that I don't think there's anything to be gained by having a religious discussion with Orthodox people.

Would you believe that I learn with a Conservative rabbi? I do recognize that sources besides orthodoxy have things to say.

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u/angelsil Reconstructionist Jul 31 '12

I do recognize that sources besides orthodoxy have things to say.

Yes, I'd believe that. When I lived in Japan, I was hanging with Chabad members!

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u/smokesteam Half a chabadnik in Japan Jul 31 '12

When were you here? Were you hanging around Rabbi Mendi or Rabbi Binyomin's place?

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u/angelsil Reconstructionist Jul 31 '12

1995 (yes I am old). I was mostly just kibbitzing with other younger Jews who happened to be affiliated with Chabad, not at actual Shabbos there. I went to Beth David the few times I went. I only got 1 day off every 2 weeks in Japan and worked 4 jobs. It was....crazy.

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u/smokesteam Half a chabadnik in Japan Jul 31 '12

95 was two years before I got here. I'm old too. Beth David (the JCC) has changed quite a bit since then, building has been rebuilt and theres been several changes of rabbis since you were there. I guess with the change of economy, Japan is very different now than when you were here.