An individual identified by this descriptor was an adherent of the Haskalah, the Jewish Enlightenment. This movement, prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries, advocated for the integration of secular knowledge and modern values within Jewish society. Such individuals often championed education, scientific inquiry, and engagement with the broader cultural and intellectual world. For example, a person who actively promotes the study of secular subjects alongside traditional Jewish texts, and who seeks to reform societal norms in line with Enlightenment ideals, could be considered such an individual.
Adherence to this philosophy represented a significant shift in Jewish thought and practice. It offered a path toward modernization and integration, allowing Jewish communities to participate more fully in the societies around them. By embracing secular knowledge and critical thinking, proponents aimed to revitalize Jewish culture and adapt it to the changing realities of the modern world. This approach also spurred important debates about the nature of Jewish identity, tradition, and the relationship between religious law and secular ethics.
