A little history lesson.
Due to the Jewish & Non-Jewish enlightenment, the Emancipation of the Jews, Revolutions, Urbanization, a greater reliance on science, etc. there was a crisis in Traditionalist Judaism. Several responses occurred. 1. A continuation of “Frum” (Yeshivish, Litvish) Judaism with some small changes. 2. Chasidism 3. Reform, & 4. Modern Orthodox.
The Modern Orthodox approach says, “Torah & Mitzvos always come first & that must be the focal point of a Jew’s life. HOWEVER, if on a college campus a student can keep Shabbos (today many campuses have Eruvs), there’s a Kosher Dining Hall, there’s Jewish life (through Hillel, Chabad, etc) then there is nothing wrong with attending a Non-Jewish college. There’s nothing wrong with dressing like any other American & partaking in normal American life.
Thyi preceded RJBS by many years.
