We need to destroy evil by fighting it but also by modeling the alternative. We need to show the world that ordinary man is capable of being exceptional in his kindness, in his honesty, in his moral and spiritual stature.

The media is wild over the Women of the Wall controversy, and it's not hard to understand why. It deliciously combines women's rights issues, religion and, media's favorite topic, the Middle East, all in one bite-sized package of scandal.

The world was blessed for more than 80 years (1931-2013) with the presence of a hero of Torah, a progressive force for good, a religious pluralist, and an astounding teacher of ethics and spirituality. Yesterday, we lost a a great leader.

While Dr. Elon and Rabbi Hartman made different contributions to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael, for me, as part of the Yeshivat Chovevei Torah (YCT) and Yeshivat Maharat families, they had a common point: their unconditional support for our vision, our programs and our institutions.

It is, perhaps, more newsworthy to make all Orthodox Jews out to be stuck in an ancient tradition, as if every religious Jew is still wearing their zaidy's zaidy's Polish garb. It may be newsworthy, but it's not accurate, and it's not sound journalism.

I consider myself an ardent Zionist. I appreciate Israel for its democratic values and, more poignantly, for embodying my family's heritage. However, the Zionism with which I wish to identify can't be based on fear or tragedy.

The need is great and the time has to be now. If we sit idly by we risk the marginalization of not only those most affected by the increasing stultification of Orthodoxy, but we risk the marginalization of the Torah itself.

Our souls live on in everything we have done in this life, in every person we have touched, every word we have shared, every song we have sung. Living with that awareness helps us fulfill our purpose in life.

This immediate about-face -- a proud Modern Orthodox Jew one moment and sashaying in a bikini and heels on national TV the next -- was a sad commentary. After all, the contestant is named after the biblical Queen Esther.