More Unites Us Than Divides Us: An Observation

The Orthodox Jewish blogosphere is dominated by bloggers who are Modern Orthodox affiliated. The most obvious reason for the lack of Chareidi bloggers, I presume, is because Chareidim are general more wary of Internet usage. (I know, there are more reason; and no, illiteracy is not one of them.)

What astounded me, however, when joining this community, was the obsession that some have with chareidim. Generally negative.

I'm aware of quite a few Chareidi blogs, which cover many varying interests. Yet none of them have such an obsession with Modern Orthodox Jewry. Even with some mentions here and there, the negativity isn't nearly as strong.

Interestingly, much of this negativity seems to stem from an inferiority complex towards Chareidim. The fact that Chareidim don't at all consider MO scholars.

True, Chareidim generally reject the MO philosophy. Yet, while the disagreement might sometimes be heated, I never heard of it being a round-table discussion in Chareidi circles. Its more of a rejection, which leaves it at "you do yours and I do mine's", with Chareidim giving little regard to the MO world.

On the other hand, some in MO Jewry are seemingly obsessed with Chareidim. Which Gadol said what, etcetera. Analyzing every action and word of every Gadol. It reached a point where I don't have to frequent Chareidi websites to get my "Gadolim updates", the MO world does a far better job, with commentary!

Whatever a Chareidi Gadol says, I see critical analysis of exactly why this or that MO blogger disagrees. Why he has the right, and sometimes the requirement to do so.

It almost looks like they try to associate with Chareidim. While Chareidim distance themselves from the MO world, the MO world tries to push the idea that 'we really aren't that different', 'its only different shitta's', and so on. As if they're trying to excuse their behavior, why they do this or that.

In fact, in Chareidi yeshivas, there is little mention of the entire MO world, at all. Almost as if it doesn't exist. While I can't tell you for sure, I have a strong hunch that in MO yeshivas the situation is different.

Some bloggers, take this even further, to what some call "Chareidi bashing". They spend their time finding fault with Chareidim, at every opportunity. For the same reasons, I think. Sort of a way to say that, "hey, you're far from perfect too". Chareidim are not attacking you, as far as I see, dear blogger.

Defend Obama rather. He's the Chareidi punching bag now.

Yeah, a rambling post. Your opinion?