In reaction to Reform Judaism, a group of traditionalist German Jews began a movement that sought a balance between strict observance of halacha and modernity. They accepted some of the new values ​​of modernity, but wanted to preserve the classical interpretation of Jewish law and tradition.

The most prominent figure of this group was Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808-1888), a German rabbi born in Hamburg, who studied the sacred texts with his father and with his grandfather, Mendel Frankfurter, founder of the Talmud Torah in that city. From 1851 until his death, Hirsch was the spiritual leader of an observant community in Frankfurt, which had separated itself from the Reform movement that prevailed in most Jewish homes there.

He used the phrase «Torah im Derech Eretz,» the Torah with the ways of the land, a metaphor signifying full participation in Western secular culture while maintaining complete adherence to Jewish law. He envisioned an «Israel-Mentch,» a Jew who was both completely observant and enlightened. He believed that some non-halachic customs could be changed, but the essence of Jewish law was untouchable. His community became the model of a community that strictly adhered to halacha while remaining «modern.»

Hirsch took an active part in the 1848 revolution to secure the emancipation of the Jews of Moravia and Austria. He founded three schools: a primary, a secondary, and a girls’ high school. They taught Hebrew, Jewish subjects, German, mathematics, natural sciences, and geography. He rejected changes that affected the principles of the Jewish faith. According to him, Jews did not need to «progress,» as the Reformists claimed, but rather to «elevate» the eternal ideals of Judaism and not «lower» them to suit those seeking a more comfortable life. Even so, he introduced changes to the liturgy, such as including a choir with a professional conductor and delivering his sermons in German twice a month. He defended Hebrew as the sole language of prayer.

He tried not to divide with the Reformists until they, at a synod of rabbis in 1844, annulled the dietary and marriage rules. From then on, he sought the separation, in practice and legally, of Orthodoxy and Reform. He also opposed the philosophy of the historical development of Judaism proposed by Zechariah Frankel and H. Graetz. He created the «Free Society for the Advancement of the Interests of Orthodox Judaism.» He opposed the Reformist idea of ​​considering Judaism as a religious sect, since for him it was a people, and the love of Zion was fundamental.

The term «Orthodox» applies to traditional Jewish movements that consciously opposed the modernization of Judaism resulting from European emancipation and the Enlightenment. Orthodox means one who faithfully follows the principles of a doctrine. But the Modern Orthodox movement, the movement led by Samson Raphael Hirsch, managed to combine both positions.

By Marcos Gojman.

Bibliography: Encyclopaedia Judaica and other sources.