Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 1/21/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello Barry

I am a fifty-four year old married man who has cause to believe that he may be of Jewish descent.  

In looking into this matter, I have come across some aspects of Jewish religeous history that I find to be at odds with what I have previously been taught.

Lately for example, I have come across a number of internet references to the Jewish Talmud which I find disturbing.  

Specifically, I mean references which describe it as an extremely racist/elitist document that speaks about non-Jewish people as deserving only of slave status and worse.  

Many such references claim that the Talmud is nevertheless held in high esteem among religious Jews and is a foundational work used in the training of Jewish religious leaders.

Having read some of the quotes from the Talmud which do indeed on the surface, come across as outrageously racist/elitist; I need to check with someone who has a balanced perspective on this matter in case I have been influenced by a tainted or 'out of context' view of the subject.

In terms of the practical influence of the Talmud among those subscribed to present day Judaism, how valid is the assertion that Jewish religious leaders and those they influence, hold to what appear to be atrocious statements in the Talmud that not only sanction the enslavement and abuse of non-Jews, but also other degrading and destructive practices such as the sexual abuse of small children?

Any clarity you can bring to bear on this matter would be much appreciated.

Kind regards

ANSWER: Dear Richard,

Thank you for writing and with specifics in hand.

First, we need to establish a context for the kinds of statements you mention.

Rabbinic literature, to begin with, is an edited "whole" composed of statements, opinions, rulings and reflections from literally hundreds of quoted various teachers who lived in a wide variety of cultures, religious environments during an expanse of approximately 1000 years.

In addition, there are hundreds of commentaries of which we have written record of reactions, responses and expanded reflection on those Rabbinic collections of equally diverse cultures/countries and community circumstances for another 1000 years.

The Talmud itself is but one collection of Rabbinic literature, for there are other collections of customs, codes of conduct, Bible commentary, and much more.

Therefore, we are reading and studying not just a cohesive representation of what all Rabbis in all places and all times under all circumstances would teach. Far from it.

Secondly, selective reading out-of-context can result in a very different understanding of a religious perspective from that which we indeed hold.

For example, the Bible itself provides for the institution of slavery, of "purchasing" another human being. Reading the Bible selectively, I easily understand how people living in the South might well have turned to the Bible for support of the institution of slavery, while at the same time, the Bible was quoted to oppose slavery. "Cherry-picking" for proof-statements and verses can prove effective - but it is unconvincing.

The same Biblical texts of Hebrew Scripture were and are read one way with regard to the messianic age "in the future" resulting in Jewish rejection of Christianity while Christianity's early centuries didn't hesitate to quote the Bible in support of their faith.

One ingredient in the differences lies in how one translates the words, because we are dealing with at least Biblical and Rabbinic Hebrew (which are not identical) and then Palestinian and Babylonia Aramaic, to say nothing of Greek and other languages.

Thirdly, very often we teach what we want to believe and then attempt to demonstrate how the words of the "tradition" support our contention. One of the most famous "misunderstandings" is a function of what one wants a word or verse to "prove" to the target audience, Isaiah 7:14.

For nearly 2000 years, the Christian translation was that of a "virgin giving birth to a child. . . ," while Jews translated the Hebrew to mean that a young woman would give birth. Then, in our days, the Jerusalem Bible of the Catholic Church and Biblical scholarship admitted that the Hebrew word was correctly understood by the Jewish scholars for two millenia - and even so Christian translations of the Hebrew Scriptures continue TODAY to be printed, taught and used to "prove" an ingredient of Christian faith as "divinely revealed instruction."

A famous story makes the point very well. How do you become a champion marksman, establishing a bulls-eye every time?

One way is to become a practiced, trained marksman with the best equipment of rifle, bullet, sight, etc. available. A second is to shoot at a wall, and then draw a circle radiating out from the bullet hole with the identical radius.

Very often in religion - as in other forms of debate and differences of opinion - we first begin with the goal in mind, and then we search for words and phrases that "prove" the truth of our assertion.

Lastly, no literary composition covering thousands of years across thousands of miles and representing influences of vastly different host cultures will represent what you and I believe about human relations, social justice, the rule of law, etc.

I agree that if we were to read selectively for the purpose of uncovering opinions from ages vastly different from that in which we live - you and I would find statements that are not just "not pc;" we would adamantly oppose both the attitude and consequences of such an opinion.  

However, one of the purposes of studying the Talmud and all Rabbinic literature and its commentaries is to uncover how we ought to behave today, not only with those of our own faith but with all human beings.

Thus Jews were significantly overly represented in modern social action, whether in te labor unions to protect the waves of immigrants - the majority of which were and are not Jewish. Jews were politically active in joining with other minorities, whether with the Civil Rights movement of the 60's, suffrage and the feminist movement and more recently the GLBT search for equality in our American society - in the face of other cultures and countries which actively oppose such advances.

I would encourage you to keep these few ideas in mind as you encounter opinions and statements which not only are disappointing but are offensive to us all. I hope that this provides a beginning of an open mind.

As our Sages taught, "judge all with the assumption of innocence."

Rabbi Dov

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Greetings Rabbi Dov!

Thank you indeed for your thoughtful, detailed and balanced response to this question.

You are absolutely correct with respect to the notion that 'out of context' and 'cherry picked' references can be misused to 'prove' a predetermined point of view.

In that light, I am 100% committed to a deeper consideration of the matters raised here, before coming to any conclusions.

I need to mention that I do not personally know anyone who practices the orthodox Jewish faith.

I live within a very secular country and community, where religious faith of any kind is not common.

Therefore, I am unable to attest from personal experience concerning the degree to which some of the seemingly extreme points of view expressed in the Talmud, may be internalized by those who do practice Orthodox Judaisim.

I am disturbed however, by the published comments of some very high profile Jewish religious leaders who do not seem to be possessed of the compassionate and rational qualities that are prominent in your reply to my inquiry and further, who do indeed seem to believe passionately and literally in those portions of the Talmud which appear to sanction a most unholy and destructive world view.

It is my understanding for example, that an extremely influential Rabbinical authority in Israel by the name of Rabbi Avadia Yosef (Described to me as the Head of the 'Sha's Council of Torah Sages' and a Senior Shepardi adjudicator,) has gone on the public record as subscribing to the notion that Gentiles have no place in the world other than to serve Jews.

It is my understanding also, that the 'Sha's Council of Torah Sages' is a coalition partner in the Israeli Government and thus enjoys considerable status and influence.

In light of the comments by Rabbi Avadia Yosef which appear below, one could possibly be forgiven for wondering as to the actual extent that extremist views are held by those at the highest levels of Israeli
society.

Following, are excerpts from a front page article of 'The Jerusalem Post', which is entitled:

"Yosef: Gentiles exist only to serve Jews"

"Goyim were born only to serve us. Without that they have no place in the world - only to serve the people of Israel."

"Imagine if one's donkey would die. They'd lose their money. This is his servant, that's why he gets a long life, to work well for this Jew."

"Why are Gentiles needed? They will work, they will plough, they will sow, they will reap. We will sit like an offendi and eat. This is why Gentiles were created."

Rabbi Avadia Yosef is not alone it would appear, with respect to such a view.

A number of his prominent forebears such as Rabbi Kook who I am told founded the Talmudic College in Jerusalem, also do not seem to have had any reservations with respect to this type of elitist sentiment.

The influential Chabad Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburg for example, appears on record in "The Jewish week", in an article which reads as follows:

"As for the Goyim, Gentile souls are of a completely different and inferior order. They are totally evil with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.  ...if a Jew needs a liver, can you take the liver of an innocent non-Jew passing by to save him?"

"The Torah would probably permit that.

Jewish life has infinite value he explained. There is something infinitely more holy and unique about Jewish life than non-Jewish life."

It is hard for me to understand how it is possible for any kind of responsible and compassionate religious leader to subscribe to this kind of immorality.

I must admit to being shocked!

Once again however, I seek a balanced overall perspective on this matter.

I am keen to receive any thoughts you might have concerning the type of individuals referred to above and the extent to which they exert influence in Israel.

Yours sincerely

Richard

ANSWER: Dear Richard,

Thank you for your kind comments.

Once again, I can't accept any responsibility for Jewish "leaders" who espouse racist, discriminatory, etc. statements, whether or not they attempt to base them on teachings in the Bible or Talmud or Jewish Law. I don't follow, obey or agree with virtually all of their approaches to a modern society and a modern Israel.

Their extreme positions also accounts, in my opinion, for the very large majority of Jews in Israel and around the world who also are embarrassed by these far-too-public statements. They are, in my opinion, committing "hillul hashem," a de-sanctification of God in public or private.

I can state with confidence that - except for fundamentalist, right-wing Rabbis and their followers who appear to repeat these extreme statements - modern Jews, the bulk of them in what I would describe as modern and/or also some are traditional in ritual practices. However, all are aghast at the narrow view these ultra-orthodox pronounce - to my dismay - and are carried world-wide in the media and/or are printed in books that then are distributed and studied.

I understand immigrants from countries where they were as Jews ostracized, even demonized, for centuries why they would react with the same vitriol against their persecutors in anger, similar vitriol and harshness - BUT I just don't see any advantage in doing so. Now that they are in a free democratic state, why not move on.

Such history also helps to understand and explain the various references in Jewish literature across the past 2000 years or more of similar statements. In a world that demonized you, in a world where the courts were prejudicial against all Jews, etc. it may be understandable to continue to harp on past perception, however it doesn't help us all to reconstruct, to correct society in which we live today to be better for all. This is called "tikkun olam," "repairing an imperfect world" which is still with us as we watch our global village.

And, lest I overlook it, Ovadiah Yosef, the Shas party and many other right-wing Orthodox or ultra-orthodox lump together Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist movements as heretical and deserving of the worst that can be done to us as well. Tragically, in the Jewish world today, the non-orthodox are demonized in print and online, and then - what else would you expect - they then attack each other. The best example is in terms of kosher food, it is frequent that one ultra-orthodox group will not accept the standards of another ultra-orthodox group. Thus we have today almost 1200 kosher supervisory organizations with different symbols.

Some day, we as human beings will overcome our worst inclinations to judge others to be less human, to be inferior, to even being heretics and dangerous. May that day come soon.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Greetings again Rabbi Dov!

I can see that you are a man of much good will who is committed to peace and to the well being of all.

I find it reassuring to hear that extremism of the type we have been discussing, is offensive and embarrasing to the bulk of Jewish people the world over.

With your permission, may I send a copy of your response to my inquiry, to
an associate of mine who is interested in the same issues? I am happy to remove any identifying information if you would prefer.

Finally, I am greatly encouraged that there are people like yourself still around, who are generous and accepting in spirit to all the human family.

Does not Scripture declare that it is people such as this, who will eventually inherit the Earth.

Kind regards

Richard Lobwein

Answer
Dear Richard,

Certainly you may share an exact copy of what I wrote, or he can look it up on this site. It was not marked private and hence others may read your questions and my answers.

I am far from alone. I would suggest that virtually all Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and any other liberal movement/denomination in the Jewish world would echo most if not all of my thoughts. In fact, many Orthodox would as well, certainly the modern Orthodox. That leaves a very small percentage of Jews who may cling to one or another antiquated racial slur, anti-Gentile/Christian/Muslim/etc derisive comment.

On the other hand, there are whole countries whose governments fund anti-semitic and even anti-Christian programs. Saudi Arabia required the President of the United States to go off-shore to celebrate Christmas on a US naval vessel while visiting the King.

Bethlehem is increasingly losing its Christian population who are Palestinians, because of extremism by Muslim clerics.

To my mind enough already. If they are all minorities in each faith, perhaps we can find an island somewhere where they live and fight together and leave the rest of us to live in peace with each other, not in toleration of the other but respect for each other and their respective faiths.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov