ABSTRACT
The subject of Orthodox Judaism and modernity may be treated from a number of perspectives. Historians of modern Judaism have a great deal to say about it; students of Jewish intellectual thought or modern Jewish philosophy have contributed to our understanding of the topic from their point of view. Last but not least, a talmid hakham, a master of rabbinic text, operating from within a traditional Jewish world view could provide important insights if challenged to elaborate his view of modernity. This essay, however, reflects the impressions and ruminations of a social scientist. It is appropriate, therefore, to begin with an observation about social science and the study of religion.
