Dor De’ah (The Generation of Knowledge) promotes a return to the rational approach of historical Judaism. This was the approach of the greatest post-Talmudic leaders of the Jewish world, the likes of Saadia Gaon, Rabenu Bahia ibn Paquda, and Maimonides.
We emphasize the following Torah fundamentals that have suffered widespread neglect in the religious Jewish world:
- Strict Monotheism
- Reason
- Concern for fellow man
- Proper treatment of converts and potential converts
- Moral absolutes
- Acknowledgment of the fallibility of man, even of great rabbis
And perhaps our most noticeable distinguishing factor is priorities.
Torah is a vast sea of knowledge. If learned improperly, one can invest years transversing its vastness without getting anywhere. This is why it is imperative that one study Torah in the proper manner, making sure that his learning will have a positive impact on his life and the lives of others. Introverted Torah learning is counter-productive. The Holy One bestowed His Torah to Israel as a guide for improving relationships and improving the world. We encourage a methodology of Torah study that enables the individual to acquire a holistic knowledge of raSon HaShem (the Will of God) without necessitating years and years of study in yeshiva. True, extensive knowledge of the Talmudic source texts is an invaluable asset, but it is unrealistic to expect or demand that whoever wants to live a Torah observant life can acquire sufficient knowledge only through intensive study of the Talmud. It was for this very reason that Maimonides compiled his magnum opus, the Mishne Torah – to provide the masses, small and great alike, exposure to whole body of practical Jewish Law.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQFCjI4v284
Similarly, we encourage new arrivals to the faith of Israel or anyone who may be struggling with the intimidating size of Jewish liturgy as it has developed over the last 1,000 years, to consider adopting the version of traditional Jewish prayer that is available on the main page of this website. Our version of the traditional Jewish prayer book is a fusion of all the major traditional Jewish texts of prayer, including only the wordings common to them all. What results is possibly the shortest version of the Jewish prayer book ever. There is beauty in brevity; and perhaps the most beautiful aspect of this prayer book is that it makes mastery of Jewish prayer attainable, thereby motivating the individual in prayer, rather than making the service of the heart a burdensome routine.
We welcome you to join us in making God’s Torah accessible to all who seek it.
Click here for more information about Dor Deah.
* DorDeah.com is an independent organization. DorDeah.com is not affiliated with www.mechon-mamre.org, the “Torath Moshe Society,” nor Chabad-Lubavitch. Though we are grateful for the contributions of these organizations in providing Mishne Torah resources, we do not endorse all the views espoused by these organizations.