Are Jewish - Orthodox Studies too Intellectual ?

B"H

Since I faced yesterday's messianic group, consisting of a handful young Israelis handing out missionary brochures, I have been talking to quite a few people about the subject. The absolute majority stated that messianic "Jews" are just nutcases misinterpreting the Torah and doing idol - worship.

Nevertheless someone made an interesting statement and I have been seriously thinking about it. This particular person I spoke to said that many secular Jews are not so much interested in the J. - stuff the messianics preach. They rather feel as a kind of outsiders as soon as they come in contact with Orthodox Jews.

These Orthodox would discuss Torah issues, Talmud, Halacha, Mussar, you name it. Quote any kind of commentator, bring proof for this or that Halacha … But what about this secular Jew who has not a great knowledge ? He has to listen to all that and cannot follow. Many of them may feel rejected because of their lack of knowledge. Others think that it would take ages learning all those millions of details and rather give up right away.

The messianics, on the other hand, make it look so easy. A little soft Torah discussion here and there. Easy vocabulary and concepts. Furthermore, you, as a Jew, are being told that all the laws don't apply anymore. So, doesn't it sound easy going ?
No hard studying, no responsibilities, who cares if it is idol - worship ?

This is what the person told me and I have to say that he is right. Right in a way that Orthodox Judaism may appear as something highly intellectual. When Yeshiva guys talk among each other, do they always take into consideration that a third person who would actually like to learn, is not familiar with all the vocabulary, concepts, ideas, commentators, Talmudic expressions ?
Are we too academic ? What about all those secular Jews who don't have too much time studying or those who are not so bright ?

Of course, we can say that there are course for different levels. That's right but do we always give those, I am here calling them "Simple Jews", the feeling that we care about them when they don't know.

There is definitely some truth in that opinion.
A few weeks ago, I was wondering how some Breslover Chassidim approached the secular Jews of Tel Aviv. It may sound stupid or primitive in or days but the Breslovers handed out their booklets and called everyone passing "a great important Jew" or "Jewish brother". The result was that most people took the booklet because they obviously got the feeling that there is someone who cares about them.