I'm areligious but I'm tired of "social justice warriors" virtue signaling and getting ego boosts by trying to make Jews feel bad about ourselves. It smells of antisemitism. Great article.
I don't have a problem with true social justice. I have a problem with the current batch of anti-Zionist/anti-Jew idiots who support terrorists and tell us what we should do as Jews or as people. Specifically, I was referring to the people discussed here:
"A friend once told me that she was struggling after it had been pointed out to her that there was not conclusive evidence of our enslavement in Egypt, but that the Jewish narrative of Egypt caused much pain to and needless discrimination against Egyptians.
Apparently, there was a proposal that Jews move to either stop referencing Jewish slavery in Egypt, always caveat that it may not have actually happened and therefore Egyptian people should never be regarded as having done anything like that, and/or change the story altogether. I was apoplectic.
Almost as disturbed (but also slightly amused) as I was when I realized that “anti-Zionist” Jews have confabulated a version of the Passover story that somehow does not actually glorify or recognize Jewish liberation and our exodus into our homeland, which we have continuously called home ever since."
Jews holding social justice sedarim do not “support terrorists”. I’m sorry that some of your fellow Jews’ differing opinions make you “apoplectic” but I think you’ll have to find some way of coping.
But, but if not for all the outreach to others to which we have devoted ourselves for many years, they wouldn't all be out there now shouting down Hamas and expressing their vehement support for Israel and the Jews. At least, that was how it was supposed to work, wasn't it?
Yes, it's clearly time for a new investment strategy...
Very interesting journey! Thanks for the telling of it. I also have considered myself a supporter of social justice causes, but Oct. 7 was a wake up call for me in many ways. First of all the reaction of the "woke" left leaves me feeling downright cold toward them -- for their idiocy and their ignorance. Second, I have come to truly appreciate the preciousness of western civilization, and that is -- bottomline -- what we are fighting for. It is the West vs the barbarians, and Israel is their first stop. Third, I've come to realize that although we Jews have been oppressed for centuries, in all four corners of the world, we mourn, we acknowledge, and then we get up and move on creating amazing new things. We do not live as victims (maybe that's what drives people crazy). I have lost patience with all people and groups who live as victims. Social justice is fine, but the "victims" have to participate in their own regeneration. Fourth, who cares if the slavery in Egypt actually happened. It's all a metaphor anyway (in my way of thinking), and no one is wagging any fingers at modern day Egyptians for that. I'm supremely grateful the two countries have a Peace Treaty. May it continue.
I was profoundly moved by your piece. I agree that so many anti Zionist Jews have deserted at the moment. You must leave them behind and carry yourself onwards. The Exodus is a wonderful example. Israel will succeed.
We Jews should concentrate on social justice for US and not the ungrateful others. Learning self defense here and not just in Israel also would help the cause.
“Jews are allowed to center ourselves, love ourselves, celebrate ourselves, and remember who we are” - yes, absolutely. But Jews are also “allowed” to hold social justice sedarim. You don’t have to go if you don’t want, but whinging and whining that some Jews’ Judaism manifests itself differently to yours is just churlish. You don’t get to demand that people hold no more (“enough with…”) events which fail to meet your approval.
In any case, caring about other groups of human beings isn’t a form of self-hatred. “If I am only for myself, what am I?” - literally in the Mishnah.
Lmaooo nothing says “I didn’t read the article” like quoting something explicitly discussed in the article like it might be news to other illiterate reactionary people! How are you a rabbi? Let me guess — a ceasefire reform rabbi 🤡 Shabbat shalom bud!
These so called Social Justice activists are showing their true face as we speak. In US Universities, in London streets, in social media. They are not your friends. They hate you with a passion, and feel so emboldened now that the likes of you give them carte blanche to espouse their antisemitism ("oh no, it's actually anti-zionism!").
Jews SHOULD look out for our own. אם אין אני לי, מי לי Indeed. Those minorities you so vehemently stand for in your social justice seder want you dead. Yes, even if you're one of the good ones.
Isn't it obvious? They support Hamas. They won't kill you themselves but support literal terror orgs that would string you and every other Jew up. Let me know when you're ready to face the truth.
I wandered round Area A (Hebron) for a whole day, as part of an identifiably Jewish group, and not a single Palestinian was anything but deeply courteous to me. Seems inconsistent with your claims.
I'm areligious but I'm tired of "social justice warriors" virtue signaling and getting ego boosts by trying to make Jews feel bad about ourselves. It smells of antisemitism. Great article.
Jews holding social justice sedarim are not antisemitic. HTH.
Wow, that’s quite a leap! I guess they don’t teach critical thinking in the reform TikTok rabbinical school you attended for two weeks.
May you have much success in your exploration of Torah and Mitzvos!
Awww, antisemitic abuse. Classy.
Always the victim, aren’t ya Gabs? And always the hero too 🤡 take care sweatie
Yes, Jews are, sadly often, the victim of antisemites.
Mostly leftists antisemites.
I don't have a problem with true social justice. I have a problem with the current batch of anti-Zionist/anti-Jew idiots who support terrorists and tell us what we should do as Jews or as people. Specifically, I was referring to the people discussed here:
"A friend once told me that she was struggling after it had been pointed out to her that there was not conclusive evidence of our enslavement in Egypt, but that the Jewish narrative of Egypt caused much pain to and needless discrimination against Egyptians.
Apparently, there was a proposal that Jews move to either stop referencing Jewish slavery in Egypt, always caveat that it may not have actually happened and therefore Egyptian people should never be regarded as having done anything like that, and/or change the story altogether. I was apoplectic.
Almost as disturbed (but also slightly amused) as I was when I realized that “anti-Zionist” Jews have confabulated a version of the Passover story that somehow does not actually glorify or recognize Jewish liberation and our exodus into our homeland, which we have continuously called home ever since."
Jews holding social justice sedarim do not “support terrorists”. I’m sorry that some of your fellow Jews’ differing opinions make you “apoplectic” but I think you’ll have to find some way of coping.
I was quoting the original article!!! Note the quotation marks. Clearly you are not reading carefully. This will be my last reply to you.
You mean you won't be contacting me again?? Don't threaten me with a good time.
But, but if not for all the outreach to others to which we have devoted ourselves for many years, they wouldn't all be out there now shouting down Hamas and expressing their vehement support for Israel and the Jews. At least, that was how it was supposed to work, wasn't it?
Yes, it's clearly time for a new investment strategy...
Very interesting journey! Thanks for the telling of it. I also have considered myself a supporter of social justice causes, but Oct. 7 was a wake up call for me in many ways. First of all the reaction of the "woke" left leaves me feeling downright cold toward them -- for their idiocy and their ignorance. Second, I have come to truly appreciate the preciousness of western civilization, and that is -- bottomline -- what we are fighting for. It is the West vs the barbarians, and Israel is their first stop. Third, I've come to realize that although we Jews have been oppressed for centuries, in all four corners of the world, we mourn, we acknowledge, and then we get up and move on creating amazing new things. We do not live as victims (maybe that's what drives people crazy). I have lost patience with all people and groups who live as victims. Social justice is fine, but the "victims" have to participate in their own regeneration. Fourth, who cares if the slavery in Egypt actually happened. It's all a metaphor anyway (in my way of thinking), and no one is wagging any fingers at modern day Egyptians for that. I'm supremely grateful the two countries have a Peace Treaty. May it continue.
I was profoundly moved by your piece. I agree that so many anti Zionist Jews have deserted at the moment. You must leave them behind and carry yourself onwards. The Exodus is a wonderful example. Israel will succeed.
We Jews should concentrate on social justice for US and not the ungrateful others. Learning self defense here and not just in Israel also would help the cause.
Thank you for this piece and your honesty. I will send to my adult kids. Happy Pesach. 🫓
Insightful post. I'm curious how you see non-binary identity as being consistent with traditional Jewish understandings of identity?
This is not a good take.
“Jews are allowed to center ourselves, love ourselves, celebrate ourselves, and remember who we are” - yes, absolutely. But Jews are also “allowed” to hold social justice sedarim. You don’t have to go if you don’t want, but whinging and whining that some Jews’ Judaism manifests itself differently to yours is just churlish. You don’t get to demand that people hold no more (“enough with…”) events which fail to meet your approval.
In any case, caring about other groups of human beings isn’t a form of self-hatred. “If I am only for myself, what am I?” - literally in the Mishnah.
Lmaooo nothing says “I didn’t read the article” like quoting something explicitly discussed in the article like it might be news to other illiterate reactionary people! How are you a rabbi? Let me guess — a ceasefire reform rabbi 🤡 Shabbat shalom bud!
These so called Social Justice activists are showing their true face as we speak. In US Universities, in London streets, in social media. They are not your friends. They hate you with a passion, and feel so emboldened now that the likes of you give them carte blanche to espouse their antisemitism ("oh no, it's actually anti-zionism!").
Jews SHOULD look out for our own. אם אין אני לי, מי לי Indeed. Those minorities you so vehemently stand for in your social justice seder want you dead. Yes, even if you're one of the good ones.
If they want me dead, why haven't they killed me? They've had every opportunity.
Wait for your turn please.
Let me know when you're ready to answer the question.
Isn't it obvious? They support Hamas. They won't kill you themselves but support literal terror orgs that would string you and every other Jew up. Let me know when you're ready to face the truth.
I wandered round Area A (Hebron) for a whole day, as part of an identifiably Jewish group, and not a single Palestinian was anything but deeply courteous to me. Seems inconsistent with your claims.
The seder is an educational tool. Lots of people have opinions these days about his to educate children.
Because 23 and me labelled me an Ashkenazi
Whomm. Not half polish and half moldovian ....then they got "hacked" and now the world knows
And to make sure the founding bitch wants to take the failed company private....and who will she sell my Jewishness too?
....to the author of this piece....the bel shem said when you pray then pray as if there is no thought of life after prayer,.......silence.....
I asked almost ever Hasidic client I had over 30 years do you believe in the tales of the bel shem?
Most said I want to....very few said no and very few said yes...( I am 76 was a lawyer that represented a lot of crazy satmar in Kiryas Joel NY.
Now .....the essence of the grand rabbi of a court is that they can talk to God and change your destiny...stand in line and have a dollar handy.....
Well over the 30 years I watched such amazing " miracles".....so when you reach silence you touch God