New Column on Jewish Fundamentalism

So my edited version of the new column I created at UOJ did not go through, and will not be called “Fundamentalist of the Week,” but rather something a bit harsher. Sorry, SB, it wasn’t my call.

But there is a new kid it town, the BeyondBT blog. Cross-Currents, you have been obviated. BeyondBT seems a lot more substantial than most of the “kiruv” sites out there (which doesn’t really say didly doo doo), and may have already banned me from posting, though this is not yet confirmed, but reasonably suspected. I can’t imagine why they would do that, but it may prove to be a bad idea if that’s what happened. We will see. I am convinced that even though some of the editors of this new site may be more genuine and better educated than others, they will not be able to stand the withering light of those who know. In the end, they are advocating quiescent fundamentalism. And fundamentalism does not do well in educated dialogue without a shared commmitedment to the same axioms.

I remain firm in my conviction that it is up to those of us who have had the privelege of delving into the Ba’al Tshuvah world ourselves to point out where the walruses lurk. Failed Messiah, keep up the excellent work, when you find the time between obsessing on Chabad and race sensitivity. BTA — don’t wuss out on us now. And Godol Hador - just because we reject your lifestyle does not mean we have emotional problems. We have emotional problems for having attempted to join your club, where one hat fits all.