WEINBERG'S LIFETIME coincided with a series of dizzying changes in the Jewish community. As we have seen, he was affected by a number of these changes, and the story of his life gives us a better understanding of them. It is the issue of Weinberg's lasting importance which we must now address. Though several of his colleagues, despite much renown during their lifetime, are without influence today, Weinberg's case is different.

Because Weinberg's form of Orthodoxy has been forced on to the defensive in recent years, it is no surprise that the so-called Modern Orthodox look towards him as a guiding light in their encounter with modernity. His name is often brought up in Modern Orthodox writings, for he identified with the ideals of this ‘movement’. Weinberg believed that Orthodox Jews should not run away from modern society but should educate themselves so that they can be a part of this society. He regarded the creation of the State of Israel as an event of unparalleled importance. He believed that Jewish women's changing self-perception must be acknowledged. Rather than fighting this new manifestation, he chose to work within the halakhic system to see how far the desires of women could be legitimated. He believed in a halakhah which responded to social change wherever possible, and was frightened by the rising extremism in Orthodoxy. It is only to be expected, therefore, that the Modern Orthodox claim Weinberg as one of their own, and draw inferences from his published opinions to cases which were not yet relevant in his time (for example, women's prayer groups). Together with David Zvi Hoffmann, Isaac Herzog, and Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Weinberg stands out as an icon of Modern Orthodoxy, and shows that this brand of Orthodoxy has its own authority figures whose renown must be acknowledged in all circles.

Having said this, it is not surprising that the more conservative elements of Orthodoxy have also been quick to claim Weinberg. Because of his undisputed halakhic greatness and his close friendships with many in right-wing Orthodox circles, it would have been too much for the right wing to concede him to the more liberal segments of Orthodoxy.