Regenerate As soon as Adam sinned, the Divine Presence betook itself to the first firmament… Abraham arose and brought it down… and Moses arose and brought it down from above [the first firmament] to below [the earth]… the garden of G-d is this world, not a supernal one.”
Rav Soloveitchik’s use of this midrash confirms the impression given by the rest of the book: Halakhic man’s goal is to serve as G-d’s “partner in the creation of the world” (a phrase that comes from complementary midrashim, such as Bereishis Rabbah 3:9, that state “Hashem desired shutafin ba’tachtonim, partners in the lower world”) by working to bring about the ideal state of Olam ha–Zeh in which G-d may dwell with us (a phrase used frequently by Rav Soloveitchik).
Centrist Characteristics
Thus, both Rav Hirsch and Rav Soloveitchik agree with the Chabad vision of building G-d a dirah ba-tachtonim. Their non-mystical understanding, though, as opposed to the mystical Chabad perspective, leads to a number of characteristics that mark the Centrist community.
Israel: This vision of a society run entirely according to halacha and halachic values is almost unimaginable outside of Israel. Diaspora Judaism is largely limited to individualistic elements of the Torah; only in Israel can we actually strive to set up an entire society that functions according to Hashem’s value system. Thus, Centrists see the return to Israel as a crucial step in the right direction toward accomplishing this telos of a dirah ba-tachtonim.
Talmud Torah: Both Rav Hirsch and Rav Soloveitchik championed a unique approach to learning: to understand the values and worldview we are meant to glean from each mitzvah through understanding the details of those mitzvos as communicated by the written and oral Torahs. While other systems of thought see Torah as the “life force of the universe,” in which case content takes a back seat to the importance of intellectually engaging with and understanding the word of G-d, the “worldview” approach tries to understand each mitzvah in terms of the ideals and perspectives we’re meant to be internalizing through its practice. Doctors are best suited for uncovering the Torah’s perspective on issues of medical halacha, while businessmen and accountants will have unique insights on sugyos relating to economics and business law. Torah study remains a prime value, but in a form that aligns with its purpose of guiding one’s conduct and values.
Secular Studies and Careers: Because the ultimate goal is a fully functioning society that runs according to halacha and halachic values, we need professionals who are able to run all aspects of that society – from doctors and lawyers to teachers and social workers, and everything in between. Whereas other communities often portray one’s career as a b’dieved curse that should be minimized as much as possible, the Centrist community sees it as an opportunity to take one’s interests, mold them through exploring the areas of Torah relevant to that profession, and then bring those values to life through one’s engagement with settling and developing the world. Other areas of secular wisdom can be embraced as well for the benefits they bring to both individual and communal life. (This is distinct from seeing “the best the secular world has to offer” as an independent goal to be pursued on its own merits, which I call intellectual treasure-hunting – interesting, but not at all essential).
Individual Talents: Because of the complexity involved in developing a fully functional society, it becomes clear that we need different people with different interests who will take on different roles. This seems to be the message of the Shevatim model – different groups with different strengths who each contribute in their way to the development of an ideal society in Israel. If so, each person should be given the latitude to uncover what their strengths are and how they are meant to use them for the benefit of the nation. Thus, while both Rav Hirsch and Rav Soloveitchik discuss distinct roles for men and women in family and society, room is still made for individuals blessed with unique talents to pursue the use of those talents, of course while operating according to the halachic system.
Conclusion
If you ask a Centrist what the purpose of Torah is, or about the goal of our existence, I don’t think the answer is “Torah U’maddah” or “following halacha while engaging with the best of secular culture.” I think our leading lights, Rav Hirsch and Rav Soloveitchik, would want us to answer that we are doing our best to develop a society of inspired and inspiring people working together, each utilizing their unique skills and interests, to actualize the blueprints for the Mikdash Hashem gave us, as encoded in His Torah.
A version of this article was originally published in 18forty.
1. The doctor used a special cream to help regenerate the skin cells on the patient’s burn wounds.
2. After a long day of hiking, the hiker needed to rest and regenerate their energy for the next day’s journey.
3. The forest fire had devastated the landscape, but nature would eventually regenerate and new growth would emerge.
4. The company implemented a new marketing strategy to help regenerate interest in their products.
5. The superhero had the ability to regenerate any injuries he sustained, making him nearly invincible in battle.
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