Orthodox Judaism, and very zionist.
I'm trying to associate myself more with the Yeshivish crowd. Do you know the difference between Orthodox and Hareidi?
Yes, and that is why I do not identify as haredi. Yeshivish is a branch of haredi.
The haredi outlook separates nationalism from Judaism, and to me that is less than honest. That is only one of the reasons, but in general, haredim can be seen wearing black hats and believe in the "learn-Torah-only" philosophy to change the world. And the "daas Toyrah" concept that is all the rage these days, really stifles independent thought, and I personally think that is dangerous and wrong for Jewish culture. In truth, there are sources for such a concept and against such a concept, but you wouldn't think that based on hanging out in haredi groups or society. They'd have you believe it's all or nothing, their way, and nothing else is legitimate Judaism. I find that is a problem in general with their outlook on Judaism.
Re: the learn-Torah-only philosophy. A lot gets sacrificed in order to feed such an ideal. Working and feeding family is one of them. I don't believe in that. Orthodox to me is sensible, real Judaism, not an outgrowth over the past century or so. It strives for a balance, ala Rambam, it is in this world, practical, and there is a place for nationalism and activism and the use of one's own intellect and rational thought. And perhaps less mystical. Rabbi Kahane was haredi in observance of halacha, but his hashkafa was certainly not. This is where I probably fall, somewhere in a similar category to him. I identify strongly with Dati Leumi, much more so than Modern Orthodox. I hope I will live in Israel eventually.
(And when I say observance of halacha for Rabbi Kahane, that of course does not include how he viewed his relationship to his Rav, or how he determined when it was appropriate to act for the Jewish people and when it was not. Because in that case, some haredim would argue the halacha is always against that - including his rosh yeshiva who refused to do anything to help Soviet Jews and attacked Rabbi Kahane for doing something. People often cite this rabbi's "disapproval" as somehow making Rabbi Kahane or his views "pasul" chas veshalom. They like to say, look he was an extremist look at what his rosh yeshiva said... yadda yadda yadda. These people are irritating in their ignorance.
I remind them of what I read about the incident where Rabbi Kahane challenged his Rosh Yeshiva by saying something like "you don't believe in activism, you're against the protests and the things I do, fine, I understand that. You can believe that. But not ONE TIME when I was in your yeshiva, did you even once say tehillim or lead a prayer on behalf of Soviet Jews." I think the story goes that the next day that rabbi was having his talmidim say tehillim along with him for Soviet Jews).
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