Because it is closer-knit and more insular, the sense of shame increases in Judaism as you become more religious.
In Orthodox Judaism, it is rare to have close friendships with Jews who aren’t Orthodox, let alone non-Jews.
I remember when I went to daf yomi every day, I cared more about the opinion of my fellows in class than everyone else in my life (because I saw them more often).
…“What happens if the inspector catches you without a ticket?” The man could barely understand the question. “Everyone would know!” he said with a horrified look.
My friend found this hilarious; I found it pretty impressive. The Swiss sense of shame is so highly developed that the mere contemplation of being revealed as someone who did not pay for the tram, in front of a group of strangers, is so terrifying that Switzerland can dispense with the elaborate turnstiles and subway police that New York City needs to prevent fare jumpers.
Shame is one of the characteristics by which Klal Yisrael is distinguished. But it has atrophied over the generations. Haven’t we all asked ourselves upon hearing about someone caught running a ponzi scheme or engaged in some other unsavory activity: “Did he think he could get away with it forever? Didn’t he think about his kids’ shidduchim?” and the like.
Rosenblum adds:
The conversation did not get off to a great start. After telling me I looked familiar and asking my name, he told me, “Oh yeah, I heard you speak in my shul. You write better than you speak.”
That comment is chutzpah. Rosenblum is a great writer and speaker. A lot of Jews have a lot of chutzpah. They feel like they’re entitled to pop off with their opinion when they’ve done nothing to earn it. I see one guy in shul who reads while the rabbi gives his sermon. Fine, but he reads while holding the book up so he’s broadcasting to the world his contempt for the rabbi. I’ve seen other people in an Orthodox shul reading a secular newspaper during davening Shabbos morning.
I remember meeting a bloke in shul and had a couple of pleasant but short conversations.
Two days later, I got a long email from him telling me that I needed to completely change my life and give up my writing for a regular job. That was chutzpah coming from somebody who didn’t know me and hadn’t earned the right to give reproof.
