Why this blog?

Jews talk; it's a well known fact. We speak to family, to friends, to strangers. And yet, there are some conversations that are not being had, or are being had in quiet corners, away from public view. Why? The pressure to conform is quite evident in the frum world today. What we wear, what we eat, what we buy and what we do are all under tight scrutiny. How much more so what we say. Some would call it shmiras haloshen, but it is a shmira that brings no benefit to the practitioners; in fact, the reverse is true. We are afraid to say what we really think about some of the practices and beliefs of Klal for fear of being ostracized, of being ridiculed.

This blog was started with one idea in mind: there are things going on in Klal Yisroel that need public discussion, public analysis and a public call for change. A blog is ideal for having this conversation. There is anonymity, protecting us from public ridicule. There is also strength in knowing that others may feel as you feel but, just like you, have not said anything publicly, until here, on this blog.

There is also this to consider. Just what is Klal Yisroel? Is it one homogeneous entity, whose members are all alike? When the Torah speaks of Klal Yisroel it has one depiction in mind. But for those who use the term generally to refer to the Jews as a people, the definition breaks down. Wherever you are living, look around at your Jewish community. Is it homogeneous? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Now look a bit further, to communities and areas outside of where you are living. Are the Jews there identical to you? Chances are that they are not, or not exactly, or only somewhat. Klal today is made up of dozens of sub-groups, each with its own philosophy of behavior acceptable for its adherents, its own customs, schools, shules and "rules" for belonging.

Yes, some sub-groups may share attitudes and practices, just as some do not. Are there any benefits for Klal Yisroel in general by this sub-dividing into ever smaller groups? And what problems can this type of division bring about?

It is my hope that by opening up the discussion to public view here that some good will accrue for Klal Yisroel.

What topics will be brought up for discussion? Shidduchim, for one: the who, what, where, why and how of making marriages today in Klal and a look at how shidduch practices are resulting in the largest number of unmarried frum singles, as a percentage in Klal, ever. And the highest divorce rate among frum people ever. How about the state of education in elementary and high school frum schools? What are our schools doing for and to our children?

Then there is health, nutrition and the frum community. Just as a preview, ponder on this: why are frum companies still producing products for the frum community with coconut oil and palm oil in them? Why are too many of "our" products less healthy for us then the products available from general producers?

There are also the needs and wants of Klal, and some of our irrational spending habits in pursuit of luxury.

There is a definite divide in Klal, seen in the major urban centers. There is "us" and then there is "out of town," with "out of town" not even running a close second. Why? How have we come to sinas chinam in so many cases? And keep in mind that to someone from Williamsburg "out of town" may be Borough Park. St. Louis and Seattle don't even get on their radar.

I hope that you will join in the conversation, comment and ask questions. And I hope that you will also come to realize that all of the "klals" in Klal Yisroel are welcome.

If even one more couple gets married, if even only one heart attack is prevented, if only one boy or girl in school is not made to feel "boosha," if even only one person or group changes to a beneficial practice from what is being done now, the work will have been worth it.

I am hoping to start the "official" posts after the yomim tovim. If you drop by before then, please let me know what subjects you feel need to be held in this conversation.