The Passing of a Gadol

The purpose of political correctness might seem noble. The intent is to not use terms about disadvantaged minorities that have been used in disparaging or exclusionary ways. Which might be hurtful to those minorities. The problem with that is that it is often taken to ridiculous extremes. Which make the most innocuous and even positive comment that had no pejorative intent seen as hurtful and to be avoided.

For example, I am personally not offended if someone - not knowing that I am Jewish - says, ‘Merry Christmas’ to me in December. I understand that the intent of such an individual is well intended and has nothing to do with denigrating my faith. But in the zeal by the left not to offend, that phrase is now seen as exclusionary and therefore deemed politically incorrect. That is clearly going too far. It has the effect of making decent people feel guilty for doing nothing other than wishing a fellow citizen good cheer.

But there is another political correctness that in my view is even worse than that. In those cases it actually causes harm. 

When the truth is hidden because it is perceived as unflattering to great religious figures - that is political correctness run amok. When that truth is published it is banned. I emphasize the word ‘perceived’!  Because what might seem unflattering to one person might be seen a flattering to another. But either way when the truth is hidden the narrative becomes a lie. A lie of omission the result of which paints unrealistic images of great people. 

All of our religious heroes - past and present were human. They became great through their own hard work. They were not born great.  By denying their humanity they are portrayed as near God-like in their perfection from the moment they leave the womb.

The reason why truths about a great religious figure is hidden is because there is a desire to never say anything that might detract the slightest bit from that individual’s greatness. When those truths are published - they are banned by the right. That is religious political correctness taken to a harmful extreme. Especially after the truth comes out. Which it often does. Making people wonder what else is missing about that figure that is being kept from the public.

These are the thoughts I had upon hearing of the passing of a religious figure that was great in is own right. I was saddened to read Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein’s eulogy of R’ Nosson Kamenetsky, ZTL. A man who exemplified his father’ R’ Yaakov Kamenetsky’s zeal for Emes. That zeal cost R’ Nosson a lot.

He had spent years writing a historical account of the great religious figures of his father’s time in a book entitled The Making of a Gadol. Upon its publication it was banned by religious leaders for describing the truths about how those great religious figures became great. Which - as noted - meant that it was  seen as disparaging.

Rabbi Kamenetsky suffered greatly from this. He described his ordeal in a book entitled Anatomy of a Ban.  It was published, but not distributed to the public. He did however embark on a public speaking tour where he described the horrible way he was treated by Askanim - the community activists behind the ban. During that speaking tour, R' Nosson also explained his defense his book and why the truth mattered.

When political correctness means omitting the truth - everyone loses. Rabbi Kametesky knew that. As did his father. R’ Nosson was an Ish Emes – a man of truth - as was his father. The truths of history will only enhance our beliefs in the truths of Judaism. Denial of the truths about our religious heroes is a denial of their very humanity. That is wrong.  And that is what political correctness does when applied to Judaism. Rabbi Kamentesky knew that. I cannot understand why those responsible for banning his book did not.

The truth is not as popular as it used to be.  And now one of its champions is gone. He will be sorely missed.