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From: rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu (Russell Hendel)
Date: Sun, 7 Dec 1997 18:48:55 -0500
Subject: Talmud Torah--A prerequisite for Keyruv

An additional thought on what Keyruv should and should not do.

First some history: Several hundred years ago the Baal Shem Tov founded
Chasidus--its purpose was that non Torah scholars should be able to come
close to God by involvement with Mitzvoth (Until that time it was
expected that anyone who was very close to God should/must also be very
learned).

The Vilna Gaon (and many others) visciously opposed Chasidus because
of its deemphasis on Torah. A sort of cold war evolved which was
settled (without any physical violence)--the conclusion universally
held by both Chasidim and Mithnagdim today is that all Keyruv no
matter WHO it is addressed to and no matter WHAT its initial goals
are MUST have a Torah component in its program.

Some examples:
	The Hinani movement of Rebetzin Jungreis
	Aish Hatorah movement (as well as movements that emphasize the codes)

In other words everyone agrees that independent of WHAT turns you on and
how desparate you are the Keyruv program must have a Torah component.

Every known keyruv movement has kept to this goal. And indeed, it is
Talmud Torah -- the learning of the law...the perception that the
reciting of regulations is Divine service... that distinguishes Judaism
from other religions and other cultures.

Russell Jay Hendel; Ph.d;ASA; rhendel @ mcs drexel edu