Debate questions- 10/23

Conservative- How does individuality promote Judaism? Frankel writes that it is still valid to meet in the middle of both sides of the spectrum of Judaism.

Neo-Orthodoxy-Hirsch believes that one progresses through religion. The reform movement believes progress is made by adapting to the changing times. Why can’t one who adapts with the changing times still be considered a “valuable Jew?” Hirsch writes, “Any step which takes him away from Judaism is not for him a step forward, is not progress.” (Mendes-Flohr, 223)

Ultra-Orthodoxy- What if another rabbi or follower of the religion interprets the Torah differently, as the “Manifesto of Ultra-Orthodoxy” quotes the Torah. The individuals who signed the document believed one has to interpret the Torah literally. Does that mean they are viewed as “evil” if they interpret the Torah another away?