This article first appeared on meaningfulminute.org in response to the following article https://meaningfulminute.org/conformity-in-judaism/ Rav Moshe Schonbrun recently wrote an excellent article for Meaningful Minute on the value of individuality in Judaism. Citing an excerpt from a recent Mishpacha Magazine article in which Rabbi Meir Kahane, Menahel of Chedvas Bais Yaakov in Yerushalayim, extolled the virtues of being a conformist, Rav Schonbrun took umbrage with Rabbi Kahane calling conforming a middah tova. In Rav Schonbrun’s words “This is wrong and harmful.” Rav Schonbrun went on to correctly point out the dangers of teaching our children conformity over individuality. Children who lose their capacity for self-expression cannot be passionate about their Yiddishkeit. In his words, “Required social conventions and behaviors prevent genuine relationships from flourishing – with loved ones, with friends, and with Hashem.” The article touched on some very important points and concluded with a call for our community to develop the individuality of our children. It is highly recommended reading. And yet, I think there is a nuance that can still be contributed to the conversation. I have a niece that learned under Rabbi Kahane in Chedvas, and when she visited us for Shabbos she too quoted from a shiur that Rabbi Kahane delivered on the value of conformity. It sparked a lively debate at our Shabbos table, with my niece repeatedly saying, “That’s not what Rabbi Kahane meant!” N
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