[Avodah] R. Hirsch as a Modern Orthodox Leader

[Harry Maryles]

--- On Thu, 6/30/11, Micha Berger <micha at aishdas.org> wrote:


I'm not sure why we need to speculate about whether he could or would
have said otherwise had he lived in another era. Do we need RSRH's
validation so badly that we will put words in his mouth to get it?
-------------------------
 
I don't think it is 'putting words in is mouth' to say that most of his Hashkafos are Modern Orthodox. R' Gil wrote a post on his blog yesterday based on an article by R. Yitzchak Blau. Based on the post and the article - while it may be true that the 2 points we are dwelling on are Charedi  most of them are MO. Looking at his Hashkafos as a whole I think it is fair to say that where it counts his views reflect more of an MO Hashkafa than they do a Charedi Hashkafa. 
 
As I wrote on my blog today (quoting from Hirhurim - quoting R' Blau):
 
...there are six things about Rav Hirsch pointed out by Rav Blau that are decidedly modern Orthodox:
1. Analyzing biblical characters as great but flawed human beings

2. Considering the legends of the Talmud (aggados) to be non-binding

3. Asserting that the science of the talmudic sages was occasionally incorrect

4. Encouraging women’s intellectual development

5. Embracing a Universalist belief in the spiritual value of all people regardless of race, sex, nationality or religion 

6. Believing in the inherent value in secular studies, including the liberal arts
Is there any real question about where these six items lie? Nor is there anything wrong with speculating whether he may have had a different response to to the 2 items in question herehad he lived today. 
But even without them it is pretty clear to me that his over-all views are very similar to MO... despite the best efforts those who  want to strip him of any connection to MO.
And yes we do need his validation. The tide is definitely against moden Orthdodxy, 
Why shouldn't MO trumpet RSRH as one of its own to help counter that trend? Especially if its true.
HM

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