Battles?

In surfing, I found this link to a lecture by Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. In it he posits that the differences between the three variants of Judaism will be decided by 2 primary factors: 1) The one that excels in morality, and 2) the one that excels in intellectual achievements (Truth is truth, no matter what the source). I think this is vital for my understanding of Judaism, if only because I can use those two things as my guideposts as I push forward into a deeper and more meaningful practice of Judaism. I was reading an article in a Reform-based magazine last night about how to deal with teenagers and sexuality. It's a tough subject, as anyone with children is aware of. However, they called for some sanity to be injected into the debate. With people getting married later in life (25+ instead of 18-ish) they say it is difficult to tell our children to not have sex until they marry. Instead, they encourage education regarding safe sex and contraception, so that more grave errors (having children when it's not financially feasible) are avoided. I think this is an important point when trying to consider the highest morality. We have a split here between what we are asking our kids to do, and what is actually happening. We should encourage no sex before marraige, but recognize that if this isn't adhered to, we have to look at the consequences. So do we look at the reality and deal with it in mercy (Hillel) or do we hold to the standard regardless (Shammai)? I think that what we define as a higher morality depends on our goals. If we want to further remove ourselves from the world around us, creating a separation (of holiness), then we should go with the Shammai option. If we wish to rectify the world as it is, then we should go with the Hillel option.
The second 'thing' is intellectual achievement. He defines this only as Torah knowledge, but I think that we have to consider achievements outside of Judaism as well. In this sense, I think that I must say that it is not one of these three groups, but the unobservant Jews who have made the greatest strides intellectually in the past century. This seems disheartening to me, but it is also a testament to the influence of Judaism, so my feelings are mixed on this subject.
All in all, I think Soloveitchik gives us a good structure for evaluating our branch of Judaism, as well as our own personal practice. Perhaps in accepting and responding to the wisdom of other branches of Judaism, we can begin to dissolve the boundaries that make these "battles" necessary.

Anticipation

Well, my conversion will be complete as of the 14th. I'm excited to be able to do my first aliyah (of many to come!) and I think the kids are pretty excited about the entire thing too. I've got my tallit coming in the mail, and I'm thinking about looking into getting my robe modified a bit, so that it will have tzitzit with the re-introduced tekelet on them. I think that by using a separate garment during the day of Shabbat (probably wouldn't want to wear it to synagogue), it would allow me to identify with the Partzuf of Zeir Anpin, and thereby 'receive' a bit better. The concept behind the blue fringes intrigues me as well.

I'm really looking forward to be able to share some of my knowledge with others. I'd also like to take some classes on Sofrut, as I've always had a love for the Hebrew alefbeit, and that has only deepened as I've learned more of the language.

Well, peace to you all, my friends, and by this time next week, I will be Jewish!