I have always been against forcing anyone to follow the Jewish religion. I think it is counterproductive and leads to enmity for the religion. Obviously, I think that Israel should be a Jewish state run by Jews and represent Jewish values, but I am opposed to forcing the religion on anyone in any way. The food should be kosher, the day off should be shabbos, but we should not force people to keep shabbos, or to keep kosher. That is not only pointless, but it is dangerous.
This attitude, of forcing religion on irreligious people is why there is such a divide between the religious and the secular people in Israel. The Rabbinate tries to control the marriages and the life styles of the secular people in certain ways (at least this is how the secularists see it). Also, they appear to force the secularists (to some extent) to pay for their Yeshivot and their religious lifestyle. Many refuse to serve in the army and this leads to contempt for the religious by the secularists. I don't think the secularists treat the religious any better, but they don't force their way of life on the religious. ( I could be wrong about the extent of the actual push to force religion on the secularists by the Rabbinate, but from what I read in the newspapers and hear from my secular relatives, this seems to be what is going on. Also, see this article http://www.itim.org.il/_Uploads/dbsAttachedFiles/AdamFerziger-ReligionfortheSecular.pdf)
This is, surprisingly, not just my opinion, but the opinion of a very great man, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. From the book "Thinking Aloud" (Pg. 141-143)
"I am the one who opposes fully- I have said this at conventions- the whole business of legislating religion in Eretz Yisroel. To me it is ridiculous, it will obtain the reverse effect. You cannot make a Jew pious or observant by having a police force. You can ask many questions, I know. Many questions. It is not here the time, in general, to discuss halachic sanctions. Halacha knows of sanctions, and I have a theory about it, but it is not my job to discuss it now. But, to me, Mizrachi is committing the most terrible historical mistake. We should instead devote all our energies to an educational campaign, to display the beauty of yahadus (Judaism), to show people that we have a comprehensive philosophy, and make them come out of their free will to the fold. Legislating through parliament-- I cannot see it. It will never be as effective as an attempt to educate people.
I cannot see a rabbanut (Rabbinate) which is part of government. A few months ago they approached me about Chief Rabbinate, and I said 'No gentlemenn, I cannot become a part of the government.' A rabbi is sometimes opposed to government. If the rabbi's authority is constituted by legislation, the whole rabbinic dignity is gone."
There is not much else to say. The Jewish religion should not be forced upon anyone. Any type of force from the religion detracts from it more than it serves it. It hurts the credibility and the draw of the religion. Hopeful people will realize this and instead of rioting about parking lots being open on shabbos and instead of yelling about anyone who believes evolution to be true is a kofer, maybe we should be focusing on more important things. Maybe the great minds of the generation should lift their heads up from the Gemara and think real hard about why the vast majority of Jews are not religious and how we can influence them to want to become religious.
Observance of the Jewish religion, at least before the Moshiach comes, must be from love and free will. No one can compell anyone else to observe the commandments. In the notes on page 142 of "Thinking Aloud" Rabbi Holzer says, "The only time halacha seems to set up real coercion is in cases of social services and care for the community. For instance, Beis Din (Religious courts) would be kofeh (force) to collect charity (see Rambam Matanos aniyim 7:10)... The few attempts of certain kings and leaders to coercively uphold morality, as in the time of Yoshiyahu, seem to have been completely ineffective. Yoshiyahu was in fact killed because the nation was not reformed as he believed them to be."
Showing posts with label State of Israel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label State of Israel. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, December 24, 2010
Update On the Anti-Israel Seatle Bus Shinanigans
The officials in King County, Seattle decided to pull the ads that were going to be run on 12 of their buses. Most people see this as a victory for Israel. See this announcement sent out by the CUFI (Christians United for Israel) alert (found here https://secure2.convio.net/cufi/site/Advocacy?page=UserActionInactive&id=207):
At 2:00 EST today, we issued an action alert asking all of our members to e-mail officials in King County, Washington, with an urgent request to block the following inciteful ad from appearing on Seattle buses:
Your response was overwhelming. In the week leading up to our action alert, King county officials had received 2,000 e-mails to asking them to reject this ad. Within five hours -- by 7:00 pm EST -- our action alert had generated three times as many e-mails -- almost 6,000 -- to these same government officials.
We are thrilled to report that your voices have been heard and that your efforts have paid off. At 7:00 p.m. EST today, King County Executive Dow Constatine announced a new policy governing advertising on buses that, among other things, will block the proposed anti-Israel ad from appearing on city buses. Now that the anti-Israel ad will not run, we no longer see the need to respond with our own ad telling the truth about Israel.
This is a great victory. We are thankful to our friends in the pro-Israel community who called our attention to this issue and began the campaign against these dangerous ads. And we are thankful to all of you who responded with enough speed and determination to accomplish the mission so quickly. Your efforts were especially meaningful on a day when so many of us are so very busy with travel and shopping before the approaching Christmas holiday.
I am very glad that this Christian group is so pro-Israel. However, I do not see this as a real victory. The King County commissioner did not denounce these ads as lies, or did he call them despicable, rather when he was faced with immense pressure he caved. He did not think it was the right thing to do (to deny the ads), but the easy thing to do.
As I pointed out in this past post the lies that this organization (Seattle Middle East Awareness Campaign (SMEC)) puts forth are despicable. America allows for free speech, free speech for the KKK to march in Skokie (where a lot of Holocaust survivors live/d), it allows for racists to say what they want and it allows for fools to claim anything under the sun. However, how could a public company find nothing wrong with calling an ally of the USA a country that commits war crimes? Especially a country that gives so much aid to countries in need. Just check out here, here and here. That is absurd! This is especially true because, as I pointed out, every reason the SMEC gives for their claims against Israel are lies, no facts whatsoever.
There will never be a real victor for this war against the slanderers of Israel. However, we all need to stay strong and support organizations like StandWithUs, the Jewish Federation and, even, the ADL. These organizations and those like them prove their worth time and time again by combating anti-Semites, liars and and bigots. If you are Jewish or believe in truth then your support should go towards these organizations that stand up for Jews and Israel on a daily basis.
There are battles that we can win, but the war is ongoing. No one knows when it will end. That is why it is so important to support these organizations that actually fight for Israel and truth. This time we were able to win the battle on a technicality, hopefully, next time we can win because others actually believe in what we fight for, truth and justice. Israel is attacked on a daily basis by the very Palestinians that Israel gives aid to and they have the audacity to say Israel is committing war crimes? Oh the irony.
At 2:00 EST today, we issued an action alert asking all of our members to e-mail officials in King County, Washington, with an urgent request to block the following inciteful ad from appearing on Seattle buses:
Your response was overwhelming. In the week leading up to our action alert, King county officials had received 2,000 e-mails to asking them to reject this ad. Within five hours -- by 7:00 pm EST -- our action alert had generated three times as many e-mails -- almost 6,000 -- to these same government officials.
We are thrilled to report that your voices have been heard and that your efforts have paid off. At 7:00 p.m. EST today, King County Executive Dow Constatine announced a new policy governing advertising on buses that, among other things, will block the proposed anti-Israel ad from appearing on city buses. Now that the anti-Israel ad will not run, we no longer see the need to respond with our own ad telling the truth about Israel.
This is a great victory. We are thankful to our friends in the pro-Israel community who called our attention to this issue and began the campaign against these dangerous ads. And we are thankful to all of you who responded with enough speed and determination to accomplish the mission so quickly. Your efforts were especially meaningful on a day when so many of us are so very busy with travel and shopping before the approaching Christmas holiday.
I am very glad that this Christian group is so pro-Israel. However, I do not see this as a real victory. The King County commissioner did not denounce these ads as lies, or did he call them despicable, rather when he was faced with immense pressure he caved. He did not think it was the right thing to do (to deny the ads), but the easy thing to do.
As I pointed out in this past post the lies that this organization (Seattle Middle East Awareness Campaign (SMEC)) puts forth are despicable. America allows for free speech, free speech for the KKK to march in Skokie (where a lot of Holocaust survivors live/d), it allows for racists to say what they want and it allows for fools to claim anything under the sun. However, how could a public company find nothing wrong with calling an ally of the USA a country that commits war crimes? Especially a country that gives so much aid to countries in need. Just check out here, here and here. That is absurd! This is especially true because, as I pointed out, every reason the SMEC gives for their claims against Israel are lies, no facts whatsoever.
There will never be a real victor for this war against the slanderers of Israel. However, we all need to stay strong and support organizations like StandWithUs, the Jewish Federation and, even, the ADL. These organizations and those like them prove their worth time and time again by combating anti-Semites, liars and and bigots. If you are Jewish or believe in truth then your support should go towards these organizations that stand up for Jews and Israel on a daily basis.
There are battles that we can win, but the war is ongoing. No one knows when it will end. That is why it is so important to support these organizations that actually fight for Israel and truth. This time we were able to win the battle on a technicality, hopefully, next time we can win because others actually believe in what we fight for, truth and justice. Israel is attacked on a daily basis by the very Palestinians that Israel gives aid to and they have the audacity to say Israel is committing war crimes? Oh the irony.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Anti-Semites and Their Lies Against Israel
It never ceases to amaze me how foolish or belligerent some anti-Semites are. Maybe there are slivers of truth contained in some of their drivel, but it is so twisted and surrounded by lies that one can not even recognize it as truth. I was recently appalled to learn of a new organization in America, it is both anti-Israel as well as full of lies.
Would it shock anyone to know that this severely anti-Israel/anti-Semitic group IS tax deductible when you donate to their cause? True story. Check them out here.
This despicable organization has started a new ad campaign that claims Israeli War crimes are being funded by the US. They are putting up these signs ON BUSES. No joke, check it out. They don't tell you that the Israelis are under continuous fire, Qassam rocket attacks, from the Gaza strip which happens to be controlled by THE TERROR ORGANIZATION known as Chamas (Hamas). No, Israel trying to stop these rocket attacks on their civilian population is CLEARLY WAR CRIMES (sarcasm).
Let's just go through a few lies found on this website. If we look at the home page, the VERY FIRST statement they make is A LIE. They say:
Under Israeli military occupation, millions of Palestinians live in conditions which closely resemble the apartheid system that existed in South Africa:
• No right of free speech, assembly or movement
• Arrest and imprisonment without charge or trial
• Torture
• Homes searches without warrant
• Assassination, extra-judicial murder
• No right to vote for the Israeli government (even though it controls their lives)
Israel controls all Palestinian borders, all imports and exports, and all movement between towns and cities.
THE GAZA STRIP, still surrounded, besieged and controlled by Israel, has been sealed off and effectively turned into the world’s largest open-air prison.
First off, THERE IS NO ISRAEL MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP! They pulled out every single military personnel in 2005. Remember the whole Gush Katif incident? Those 7500 Jews that were physically removed from the Gaza strip so the Palestinians could take it over? So, this website claims that there is a military occupation of the Gaza strip. This is a blatant LIE. Just read about it.
Let us now deal with the second idea brought out here, the terrible conditions of the Palestinians caused by the Israelis. Well, if we look at FACTS, then these claims are destroyed, just check them out. For those too lazy to click on the link, I will just write it out here:
Between January 2009-June 2010, approximately 2 billion pounds of aid, 137 million liters of fuel, and 50,000 tons of cooking gas were delivered by Israel to the Gaza Strip. (Check out the sources linked to on Wikipedia)
Israel treats Gaza soooo badly, they continuously give them aid (again, sarcasm). Also, these ridiculous claims that Israel controls ALL Palestinian borders. Are they serious? Do these people lack the most basic skills, the ability to read a map. Do they not know that one of the borders of Gaza are with EGYPT!?!?!? Are they complete morons? Egypt supports Israel's efforts to blockade the Gaza strip. Why? Because it is run by a TERRORIST ORGANIZATION!!! Therefore, even Egypt (A country that has been against Israel in at least 4 wars in the past) supports Israel's efforts to block any terrorists from leaving the Gaza strip.
Yes, Israel does not allow free passage between the Gaza strip, which is not part of Israel in any way shape or form, and Israel. It is under the COMPLETE CONTROL of the Palestinian authority, Hamas in the case of the Gaza strip. Israel only conducts raids into the Gaza strip when there are rockets fired from Gaza INTO ISRAEL and they don't even do that every time a rocket is fired.
The shear stupidity of these people is astounding. It begs the question, do they make these claims because they are ignorant, anti-Semitic or extremely intelligent propagandists? Honestly, this looks like a trick that a desperate lawyer would use. The lawyer knows he has no case so he tries to say things to the jury that is completely false. The judge can only stop him after the lawyer has already said it. The judge tells the jury to ignore the lawyers statements, but the jury already heard what the lawyer said. The damage is done, even though it is a lie, it still effects their judgment.
Anyone who would like to learn about the Israeli-Arab conflict that has existed since the beginning of the creation of Israel should check out this website http://www.historyguy.com/arab_israeli_wars.html. It contains a lot of interesting facts and explains everything in, as far as I can tell, an unbiased fashion.
To counteract these ridiculous "Non-for-Profit" organizations that lie I think all people who value truth and justice should put ads up throughout the world and encourage the truth. Their 4 week PROPAGANDA to hurt Israel cost 1800 dollars. I hope someone could raise just as much, if not more money to counter such despicable hatred. Put the same type of ads on those same exact buses in 4 weeks time. Israel is not without its problems, but to claim that Israel is an apartheid state similar to South Africa before it changed is a RIDICULOUS claim that borders on insanity. It is almost as bad as calling ANY president of the United States Hitler and actually meaning it. Sure, we an disagree on rationale grounds, but to make such outrageous claims that are lies, that is irresponsible. It creates enmity for no reason.
(If anyone is interested in setting up such an organization that actually finds lies and attacks them everywhere they turn up, let me know)
(Next post will be Torah related, I promise)
Would it shock anyone to know that this severely anti-Israel/anti-Semitic group IS tax deductible when you donate to their cause? True story. Check them out here.
This despicable organization has started a new ad campaign that claims Israeli War crimes are being funded by the US. They are putting up these signs ON BUSES. No joke, check it out. They don't tell you that the Israelis are under continuous fire, Qassam rocket attacks, from the Gaza strip which happens to be controlled by THE TERROR ORGANIZATION known as Chamas (Hamas). No, Israel trying to stop these rocket attacks on their civilian population is CLEARLY WAR CRIMES (sarcasm).
Let's just go through a few lies found on this website. If we look at the home page, the VERY FIRST statement they make is A LIE. They say:
Under Israeli military occupation, millions of Palestinians live in conditions which closely resemble the apartheid system that existed in South Africa:
• No right of free speech, assembly or movement
• Arrest and imprisonment without charge or trial
• Torture
• Homes searches without warrant
• Assassination, extra-judicial murder
• No right to vote for the Israeli government (even though it controls their lives)
Israel controls all Palestinian borders, all imports and exports, and all movement between towns and cities.
THE GAZA STRIP, still surrounded, besieged and controlled by Israel, has been sealed off and effectively turned into the world’s largest open-air prison.
First off, THERE IS NO ISRAEL MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP! They pulled out every single military personnel in 2005. Remember the whole Gush Katif incident? Those 7500 Jews that were physically removed from the Gaza strip so the Palestinians could take it over? So, this website claims that there is a military occupation of the Gaza strip. This is a blatant LIE. Just read about it.
Let us now deal with the second idea brought out here, the terrible conditions of the Palestinians caused by the Israelis. Well, if we look at FACTS, then these claims are destroyed, just check them out. For those too lazy to click on the link, I will just write it out here:
Between January 2009-June 2010, approximately 2 billion pounds of aid, 137 million liters of fuel, and 50,000 tons of cooking gas were delivered by Israel to the Gaza Strip. (Check out the sources linked to on Wikipedia)
Israel treats Gaza soooo badly, they continuously give them aid (again, sarcasm). Also, these ridiculous claims that Israel controls ALL Palestinian borders. Are they serious? Do these people lack the most basic skills, the ability to read a map. Do they not know that one of the borders of Gaza are with EGYPT!?!?!? Are they complete morons? Egypt supports Israel's efforts to blockade the Gaza strip. Why? Because it is run by a TERRORIST ORGANIZATION!!! Therefore, even Egypt (A country that has been against Israel in at least 4 wars in the past) supports Israel's efforts to block any terrorists from leaving the Gaza strip.
Yes, Israel does not allow free passage between the Gaza strip, which is not part of Israel in any way shape or form, and Israel. It is under the COMPLETE CONTROL of the Palestinian authority, Hamas in the case of the Gaza strip. Israel only conducts raids into the Gaza strip when there are rockets fired from Gaza INTO ISRAEL and they don't even do that every time a rocket is fired.
The shear stupidity of these people is astounding. It begs the question, do they make these claims because they are ignorant, anti-Semitic or extremely intelligent propagandists? Honestly, this looks like a trick that a desperate lawyer would use. The lawyer knows he has no case so he tries to say things to the jury that is completely false. The judge can only stop him after the lawyer has already said it. The judge tells the jury to ignore the lawyers statements, but the jury already heard what the lawyer said. The damage is done, even though it is a lie, it still effects their judgment.
Anyone who would like to learn about the Israeli-Arab conflict that has existed since the beginning of the creation of Israel should check out this website http://www.historyguy.com/arab_israeli_wars.html. It contains a lot of interesting facts and explains everything in, as far as I can tell, an unbiased fashion.
To counteract these ridiculous "Non-for-Profit" organizations that lie I think all people who value truth and justice should put ads up throughout the world and encourage the truth. Their 4 week PROPAGANDA to hurt Israel cost 1800 dollars. I hope someone could raise just as much, if not more money to counter such despicable hatred. Put the same type of ads on those same exact buses in 4 weeks time. Israel is not without its problems, but to claim that Israel is an apartheid state similar to South Africa before it changed is a RIDICULOUS claim that borders on insanity. It is almost as bad as calling ANY president of the United States Hitler and actually meaning it. Sure, we an disagree on rationale grounds, but to make such outrageous claims that are lies, that is irresponsible. It creates enmity for no reason.
(If anyone is interested in setting up such an organization that actually finds lies and attacks them everywhere they turn up, let me know)
(Next post will be Torah related, I promise)
Monday, December 20, 2010
Why Can't Jews Have Settlements In the West Bank?
I was just thinking about the idea that the Palestinians refuse to negotiate peace with Israel because Jews are building houses in the West Bank. This argument that the Palestinians put forward does not make any sense to me. Jews building houses in the West bank does not exclude the possibility that the West Bank could be a Palestinian country, or does it?
If we look at the previous "pull outs" of Israel, something becomes very clear. When the Jews pulled out of the Sinai desert they destroyed EVERY SINGLE settlement that had been built. Why? Could Jews not live in Egypt? Just because the army was pulling out of the Sinai why did the civilians have to leave and destroy their houses? Why could they not live under Egyptian rule?
When the Israeli army pulled out of Gaza why did the 7500 civilians have to leave? Why could they not stay and continue with their businesses there? Could they not live under the rules of the Palestinian authority that was taking over?
I think it is obvious why the Jews, the civilians, had to abandon their homes, because they would have been killed had they stayed. The Israeli government would not allow civilians to stay because those civilians would have lost their lives. True, the civilians could have stayed in the Sinai under Egyptian rule, but they would have been slaughtered. The people from Gush Katif could have stayed in Gaza, but just like their green house equipment, they would have been demolished.
So, why is it that the Palestinians consider the Jews building settlements inhibitory to peace? It is purely because they will not let Jews live on their land. Otherwise, there should be no problem. The civilians can stay, but they would then be under the authority of the Palestinians, if there were a Palestinian State in the West Bank. However, this clearly would never work. The Israeli government would never allow a Jew to stay in territory that was being handed over. The Israeli government will not allow Jews to put themselves into situations where they WILL be killed.
If you notice, there are not very many Jews living in any of the Muslim countries surrounding Israel. Why is that? There are over a million Arabs living in Israel that are citizens. The largest population of Jews is found in Iran and they are under constant fear of punishment, as seen by the men accused of spying in the past years.
It seems to me that the claim of the Palestinian authority that negotiations can not continue because Jews, not army personnel, are living there is telling of their attitude of hate. They are assuring us that they will not allow Jews to live in their future country, if it is ever made. If a Jew tries to live in their country, they will be killed.
Why do we want to give them a country again? So they can be another anti-Jewish state in a sea of anti-Jewish states?
Settlements are not a problem if they are willing to live with Jews. Settlements are only a problem if they are NOT willing to live with Jews.
If we look at the previous "pull outs" of Israel, something becomes very clear. When the Jews pulled out of the Sinai desert they destroyed EVERY SINGLE settlement that had been built. Why? Could Jews not live in Egypt? Just because the army was pulling out of the Sinai why did the civilians have to leave and destroy their houses? Why could they not live under Egyptian rule?
When the Israeli army pulled out of Gaza why did the 7500 civilians have to leave? Why could they not stay and continue with their businesses there? Could they not live under the rules of the Palestinian authority that was taking over?
I think it is obvious why the Jews, the civilians, had to abandon their homes, because they would have been killed had they stayed. The Israeli government would not allow civilians to stay because those civilians would have lost their lives. True, the civilians could have stayed in the Sinai under Egyptian rule, but they would have been slaughtered. The people from Gush Katif could have stayed in Gaza, but just like their green house equipment, they would have been demolished.
So, why is it that the Palestinians consider the Jews building settlements inhibitory to peace? It is purely because they will not let Jews live on their land. Otherwise, there should be no problem. The civilians can stay, but they would then be under the authority of the Palestinians, if there were a Palestinian State in the West Bank. However, this clearly would never work. The Israeli government would never allow a Jew to stay in territory that was being handed over. The Israeli government will not allow Jews to put themselves into situations where they WILL be killed.
If you notice, there are not very many Jews living in any of the Muslim countries surrounding Israel. Why is that? There are over a million Arabs living in Israel that are citizens. The largest population of Jews is found in Iran and they are under constant fear of punishment, as seen by the men accused of spying in the past years.
It seems to me that the claim of the Palestinian authority that negotiations can not continue because Jews, not army personnel, are living there is telling of their attitude of hate. They are assuring us that they will not allow Jews to live in their future country, if it is ever made. If a Jew tries to live in their country, they will be killed.
Why do we want to give them a country again? So they can be another anti-Jewish state in a sea of anti-Jewish states?
Settlements are not a problem if they are willing to live with Jews. Settlements are only a problem if they are NOT willing to live with Jews.
Monday, June 7, 2010
How Can Anyone Think It is Against the Torah to Have the Modern State of Israel
I have been wondering this question for a very long time. How on earth can any Jew claim it is against the Torah for the Jews to have the modern State of Israel? It baffles me, so I went to look up some sources. The main literature for the contenders to the legitimacy of having a Jewish state is found in Tractate Kesubos (or Ketuboth). So, let's have a look, shall we.
In Kesubos (111a) it says:
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles, and by the hinds of the field, [that ye awaken not, nor stir up love (for the land of Israel), until it please]'.(Song of Songs 2:7) And R. Zera? — That (This verse in Song of Songs) implies that Israel shall not go up [all together as if surrounded] by a wall. (Rashi: Unified and with force, aka an army to conquer the land) And Rab Judah? — Another 'I adjure you' (Song of Songs 3:5) is written in Scripture (To teach that you can not come to Israel Unified with force). And R. Zera? — That text is required for [an exposition] like that of R. Jose son of R. Hanina who said: 'What was the purpose of those three adjurations? (The 2 just mentioned from the Song of Songs and a third in Song of Songs 5:8) — One, that Israel shall not go up [all together as if surrounded] by a wall (aka conquer the land with an army); the second, that whereby the Holy One, blessed be He, adjured Israel that they shall not rebel against the nations of the world; and the third is that whereby the Holy One, blessed be He, adjured the idolaters that they shall not oppress Israel too much'.
(Translation found at http://come-and-hear.com/kethuboth/kethuboth_111.html#111a_10 with my additions for clarity)
This is the text in the Gemorah that some like to use to say that Jews are not allowed to have the modern State of Israel. They go so far to say that having it is a sin. However, let us look at the sources that explain this Gemorah and I think we will be shocked at how ill conceived this challenge to the State of Israel really is.
First, let us understand how the State of Israel was founded, the UN general assembly gave the Jews land in Israel and said make a state. That is what happened. There was a vote that said the Jews get land for a state in Israel. If you do not want to take my word for it you can see the entire UN resolution here, UN resolution 181.
Now that we have established that the UN gave the land to the Jews in Israel and told them to make a state the question arises: Did this violate the idea of conquering Israel with an army? Thankfully, the Maharsha answers this question with little uncertainty. He says:
"This Gemorah is saying that we can not go up to Israel united with a strong force and build the walls of Jerusalem. By Nechemiah (Who did go up to Jerusalem and built the walls) we see that he had the permission of the Persian King."
Very interesting, so according to the Maharasha it is ok for the Jews to go up to Jerusalem with a united and strong force as long as they have the permission of the King. So, if Nechemia was able to rebuild Jerusalem and go up to Israel with a strong force after the destruction of the first temple and the only reason he did not violate the command from G-D that our Gemorah talks about was because he had the kings permission, how is he different from the modern state of Israel? Did the modern State conquer the land or were they given the land by the UN general assembly?
That is just exhibit A.
(Let me just say this. In the 9th century CE there was a kingdom called Khazaria which converted to Judaism. One of the kings there talked about sending an army to conquer Jerusalem. Apparently, THAT would have been a violation of the command from G-D.)
Next, I wanted to bring up something from the Rambam. In Rambam Shoftim: Laws of Kings and Wars: 11:3 he says:
ואל יעלה על דעתך שהמלך המשיח צריך לעשות אותות ומופתים ומחדש דברים בעולם או מחיה מתים וכיוצא בדברים אלו. אין הדבר כך. שהרי רבי עקיבא חכם גדול מחכמי משנה היה. והוא היה נושא כליו של בן כוזיבא המלך. והוא היה אומר עליו שהוא המלך המשיח. ודימה הוא וכל חכמי דורו שהוא המלך המשיח. עד שנהרג בעונות. כיון שנהרג נודע להם שאינו. ולא שאלו ממנו חכמים לא אות ולא מופת.
"Do not think that the King Moshiach needs to perform miracles and wonders and create new things in the world or revive the dead and things like this. This is not so. For behold, Rabbi Akiva was a great wise sage of the Mishna and he carried the vessels of Ben Koziba the King. He (Rabbi Akiva) would say that Ben Koziba was the Moshiach. Rabbi Akiva, along with all the other wise men of his generation, believed Ben Koziba to be the Moshiach until he (Ben Koziba) was killed because of his sins. Once he was killed then they knew he was not the Moshiach. The wise men never asked from Ben Koziba a sign or a miracle."
Rabbi Akiva, along with the rest of the wise men of his generation believed Ben Koziba to be the Moshiach. However, Ben Koziba had an army that conquered Israel and held it for 2 and a half years. All the while they were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and the Temple. This is known from archeological evidence and from history sources as well as Jewish sources. So, if a strong and united force is not allowed to conquer Israel, how was Ben Koziba allowed to do it according to all of the wise men of Rabbi Akiva's generation?
That is exhibit B.
Unfortunately, with my limited knowledge, I am only able to bring one more Iron clad proof that disproves the people that say the State of Israel is against the Torah. However, it is probably the most convincing argument for anyone that believes in Judaism and the Tanach.
If anyone who is reading this looks in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 they will be very confused and befuddled with the opinion that there can be no Jewish state until G-D gives it to us.
In Ezekiel 38 it discusses the war of the King Gog and his nation of Magog against the Jews in Israel. In Ezekiel 38:8-9 it says:
26 And they shall bear their shame, and all their breach of faith which they have committed against Me, when they shall dwell safely in their land, and none shall make them afraid;
27 when I have brought them back from the peoples, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations.
28 And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, in that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them unto their own land; and I will leave none of them any more there;
29 neither will I hide My face any more from them; for I have poured out My spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.'
So we see from here that there will be Jews dwelling safely in the land of Israel before Gog, King of Magog attacks us and after he is defeated then G-D will gather in the exiles from around the world to Israel. Sounds like there has to be a nation of Jews in Israel to be attacked by Gog and his armies before any in gathering of exiles can occur.
If anyone wants to add their ideas or sources to this let me know. Any questions are arguments feel free.
In Kesubos (111a) it says:
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles, and by the hinds of the field, [that ye awaken not, nor stir up love (for the land of Israel), until it please]'.(Song of Songs 2:7) And R. Zera? — That (This verse in Song of Songs) implies that Israel shall not go up [all together as if surrounded] by a wall. (Rashi: Unified and with force, aka an army to conquer the land) And Rab Judah? — Another 'I adjure you' (Song of Songs 3:5) is written in Scripture (To teach that you can not come to Israel Unified with force). And R. Zera? — That text is required for [an exposition] like that of R. Jose son of R. Hanina who said: 'What was the purpose of those three adjurations? (The 2 just mentioned from the Song of Songs and a third in Song of Songs 5:8) — One, that Israel shall not go up [all together as if surrounded] by a wall (aka conquer the land with an army); the second, that whereby the Holy One, blessed be He, adjured Israel that they shall not rebel against the nations of the world; and the third is that whereby the Holy One, blessed be He, adjured the idolaters that they shall not oppress Israel too much'.
(Translation found at http://come-and-hear.com/kethuboth/kethuboth_111.html#111a_10 with my additions for clarity)
This is the text in the Gemorah that some like to use to say that Jews are not allowed to have the modern State of Israel. They go so far to say that having it is a sin. However, let us look at the sources that explain this Gemorah and I think we will be shocked at how ill conceived this challenge to the State of Israel really is.
First, let us understand how the State of Israel was founded, the UN general assembly gave the Jews land in Israel and said make a state. That is what happened. There was a vote that said the Jews get land for a state in Israel. If you do not want to take my word for it you can see the entire UN resolution here, UN resolution 181.
Now that we have established that the UN gave the land to the Jews in Israel and told them to make a state the question arises: Did this violate the idea of conquering Israel with an army? Thankfully, the Maharsha answers this question with little uncertainty. He says:
"This Gemorah is saying that we can not go up to Israel united with a strong force and build the walls of Jerusalem. By Nechemiah (Who did go up to Jerusalem and built the walls) we see that he had the permission of the Persian King."
Very interesting, so according to the Maharasha it is ok for the Jews to go up to Jerusalem with a united and strong force as long as they have the permission of the King. So, if Nechemia was able to rebuild Jerusalem and go up to Israel with a strong force after the destruction of the first temple and the only reason he did not violate the command from G-D that our Gemorah talks about was because he had the kings permission, how is he different from the modern state of Israel? Did the modern State conquer the land or were they given the land by the UN general assembly?
That is just exhibit A.
(Let me just say this. In the 9th century CE there was a kingdom called Khazaria which converted to Judaism. One of the kings there talked about sending an army to conquer Jerusalem. Apparently, THAT would have been a violation of the command from G-D.)
Next, I wanted to bring up something from the Rambam. In Rambam Shoftim: Laws of Kings and Wars: 11:3 he says:
ואל יעלה על דעתך שהמלך המשיח צריך לעשות אותות ומופתים ומחדש דברים בעולם או מחיה מתים וכיוצא בדברים אלו. אין הדבר כך. שהרי רבי עקיבא חכם גדול מחכמי משנה היה. והוא היה נושא כליו של בן כוזיבא המלך. והוא היה אומר עליו שהוא המלך המשיח. ודימה הוא וכל חכמי דורו שהוא המלך המשיח. עד שנהרג בעונות. כיון שנהרג נודע להם שאינו. ולא שאלו ממנו חכמים לא אות ולא מופת.
"Do not think that the King Moshiach needs to perform miracles and wonders and create new things in the world or revive the dead and things like this. This is not so. For behold, Rabbi Akiva was a great wise sage of the Mishna and he carried the vessels of Ben Koziba the King. He (Rabbi Akiva) would say that Ben Koziba was the Moshiach. Rabbi Akiva, along with all the other wise men of his generation, believed Ben Koziba to be the Moshiach until he (Ben Koziba) was killed because of his sins. Once he was killed then they knew he was not the Moshiach. The wise men never asked from Ben Koziba a sign or a miracle."
Rabbi Akiva, along with the rest of the wise men of his generation believed Ben Koziba to be the Moshiach. However, Ben Koziba had an army that conquered Israel and held it for 2 and a half years. All the while they were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and the Temple. This is known from archeological evidence and from history sources as well as Jewish sources. So, if a strong and united force is not allowed to conquer Israel, how was Ben Koziba allowed to do it according to all of the wise men of Rabbi Akiva's generation?
That is exhibit B.
Unfortunately, with my limited knowledge, I am only able to bring one more Iron clad proof that disproves the people that say the State of Israel is against the Torah. However, it is probably the most convincing argument for anyone that believes in Judaism and the Tanach.
If anyone who is reading this looks in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 they will be very confused and befuddled with the opinion that there can be no Jewish state until G-D gives it to us.
In Ezekiel 38 it discusses the war of the King Gog and his nation of Magog against the Jews in Israel. In Ezekiel 38:8-9 it says:
8 After many days thou shalt be mustered for service, in the latter years thou shalt come against the land that is brought back from the sword, that is gathered out of many peoples, against the mountains of Israel, which have been a continual waste; but it is brought forth out of the peoples, and they dwell safely all of them.
9 And thou shalt ascend, thou shalt come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many peoples with thee.
(The prophecy speaks about a war between the armies of Gog the king of Magog and the Jews that live in Israel. )
The compelling evidence continues with Ezekiel 38:14
14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say unto Gog: Thus saith the Lord GOD: In that day when My people Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?
15 And thou shalt come from thy place out of the uttermost parts of the north, thou, and many peoples with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company and a mighty army;
16 and thou shalt come up against My people Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the end of days, and I will bring thee against My land, that the nations may know Me, when I shall be sanctified through thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
(Read it yourself here)
The idea continues with even stronger words that reveal a nation in Israel. Ezekiel 39:1-10
1 And thou, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal;
2 and I will turn thee about and lead thee on, and will cause thee to come up from the uttermost parts of the north; and I will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel;
3 and I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.
4 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the peoples that are with thee; I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort and to the beasts of the field, to be devoured.
5 Thou shalt fall upon the open field; for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
6 And I will send a fire on Magog, and on them that dwell safely in the isles; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
7 And My holy name will I make known in the midst of My people Israel; neither will I suffer My holy name to be profaned any more; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
8 Behold, it cometh, and it shall be done, saith the Lord GOD; This is the day whereof I have spoken.
9 And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall make fires of the weapons and use them as fuel, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the hand-staves, and the spears, and they shall make fires of them seven years;
10 so that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests, for they shall make fires of the weapons; and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD.
If one thinks that the war of Gog, king of Magog happens after G-D already gathered in the exiles then they will be saddened to learn what the next part of chapter 39 says to disprove this belief. Ezekiel 39:25-29
26 And they shall bear their shame, and all their breach of faith which they have committed against Me, when they shall dwell safely in their land, and none shall make them afraid;
27 when I have brought them back from the peoples, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations.
28 And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, in that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them unto their own land; and I will leave none of them any more there;
29 neither will I hide My face any more from them; for I have poured out My spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.'
So we see from here that there will be Jews dwelling safely in the land of Israel before Gog, King of Magog attacks us and after he is defeated then G-D will gather in the exiles from around the world to Israel. Sounds like there has to be a nation of Jews in Israel to be attacked by Gog and his armies before any in gathering of exiles can occur.
If anyone wants to add their ideas or sources to this let me know. Any questions are arguments feel free.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Is the Modern State of Israel The Final Redemption
In Kings 2 Chapter 14 it says:
"23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years. 24 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD; he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, wherewith he made Israel to sin. 25 He restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath unto the sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, which He spoke by the hand of His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was of Gath-hepher. 26 For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter; for there was none shut up nor left at large, neither was there any helper for Israel. 27 And the LORD said not that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven; but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash. 28 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, for Judah in Israel, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zechariah his son reigned in his stead."
It is important to note several things here, but the most important idea to focus on is that within 40 years of G-D helping the kingdom of Israel restore it's borders, the king of Assyria came and wiped out all of the kingdom of Israel. The Jewish kingdom was not worthy of redemption, but G-D, in His kindness, decided to help them out and maybe they would repent. However, even after G-D granted them amazing victory after victory, they were unable to turn around their bad habits. They still worshiped the idols that the original king of Israel had set up and they did not follow the proper path.
My Rebbe, Rav Parnes, once quoted this section of the Tanach to tell us a very disturbing idea. He said that he loves Israel and hopes that it is the beginning of Moshiach. However, he was hesitant to put all of his eggs in one basket. He told us that this verse shows that even when the Jewish people are granted redemption, as the kingdom of Israel was, it might only be temporary. The only thing that we can know for sure is that G-D has a plan, but we are not privy to that plan. He hoped, as well as most Jews hoped and still hope, that the state of Israel will bring the final redemption, but what if it doesn't? We can never be totally certain. Take a look at the Shabtai Tzvi incident. Everyone thought he was the Moshiach, everyone was certain! However, he ended up converting to Islam and many, many, many Jews were lost and discouraged because of this hope. Although, it was well intentioned and meaningful, it caused so much heartache and grief.
Obviously, every Jew should support the state of Israel if just for the fact that it is the only Jewish state in the world. Calling for its destruction is like asking for millions of Jews to be murdered. In fact, the Jewish State has brought so much more Torah learning into the world than there has ever been before!
Rav Aharon Soloveichik wrote in "Logic of the Heart, Logic of the Mind" that once the state of Israel was created, Judaism transformed in a way that it needs the state of Israel to survive. In fact, Rav Aharon was a huge Israel supporter. However, if this is true, then I pray that the Jewish state is the beginning of the redemption and not just some relief of pain, like by Jeroboam son of Joash.
In all truth, there are two ways to look at the incident by which Jeroboam the son of Joash was able to return all of the land to the kingdom of Israel and relate it to the modern state. First, we can see the negative, no one repented and the only reason G-D gave them this temporary reprieve was because they cried out in anguish. However, on the positive side, we see that G-D told Yonah, the prophet, that he was going to save the Jewish people at this time and He kept His word even though they were undeserving. Looking at the modern state, we could also say that we received Israel only after 2000 years of suffering that culminated with the Holocaust. Perhaps the suffering was the only reason we were granted this reprieve? However, there are also the prophecies that tell us, (In Ezekiel 38) that there will be a giant war in the end of days. Do you know who is involved in that war? The Armies of Gog, the king of Magog and guess who he is fighting? Yup, the Jewish people, IN ISRAEL. Therefore, according to this prophecy, the Jewish people have to have a standing army in Israel BEFORE the Moshiach arrives! Therefore, if G-D is to keep his word, which He always does, the Jewish people MUST have a standing army IN ISRAEL, or the prophecy can NEVER come true.
This idea gives me hope, but who says that this will be the time? There have actually been a few autonomous Jewish kingdoms. After the second temple was destroyed we had the kingdom of Bar Kochba (Kosiba) in the 130's CE. Then there was the minor kingdom in Syria mentioned in the Gemorah in Tractate Succah (Queen Heleina). The most famous of all, the Jewish Kingdom of Kahzar, made famous from the book the Kuzari. All of these kingdoms had standing armies. Bar Kochba actually had a huge army in Israel. I am unsure of the minor kingdom in Syria, but the Kahzar's (located in the area between Russia and Turkey next to the black sea) wrote letters detailing how they desired to march to Israel and conquer the land.
All we can do today is hope and pray that the modern state is the beginning of the redemption and pray for its well being and success.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Muslim- Jewish Relations, What is Wrong Here?
I found this website that translates the Sura book 2. Honestly, I am very confused by Islam. Let me just bring a couple of quotes from there that talk about what Islam should think about other religions.
"[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve."
Here it seems like the religion of Islam is supposed to respect and accept the other monotheistic religions. It even says that these other monotheistic religions "have nothing to fear."
[2.120] "And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians until you follow their religion. Say: Surely Allah's guidance, that is the (true) guidance. And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper."
This passage, that i found here, that if you follow Judaism or Christianity you will not be saved. Apparently, unless you follow Islam, you will not be saved. This seems to contradict the previous quote.
At the same site I found this: [5.51]" O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people."
This is troublesome since it seems like the Koran teaches Muslims not to befriend non-Muslims. In fact, it goes so far to say that Muslims that befriend non-Muslims must not be real Muslims. This completely destroys any chance of Muslim-non-Muslim relations.
These sources are a little confusing and leave me befuddled. Why does the Koran seemingly contradict itself? Why does the Koran seem to tolerate Jews and Christians and then completely reject them?
Leaving these issues aside, there seems to be an immense hatred for Jews, even from countries that are supposed to be Israel's allies. I found on this site an article in a widely read Egyptian magazine something very disturbing. It was written in The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), August 17, 2004 authored by Hussam Wahba.
At the beginning of the article it says this:
"... The Jews forgot that their primary constitution, on which they rely, is full of intellectual religious terrorism against all other nations. Aqidati decided to wage a battle against International Zionism in order to expose the extent of terrorism that exists in the Zionist doctrinal mind.
The truth of the matter is that the Jews themselves do not deny [the existence of] Zionist terrorism. Whoever visits the Israeli parliament known as 'The Knesset' will notice at the main entrance a sentence written on the wall saying: 'Compassion towards a non-Jew is forbidden, if you see him fall into a river or face danger, you are prohibited from saving him because all the nations are enemies of the Jews and when a non-Jew falls into a ditch, the Jew should close the ditch on him with a big boulder, until he dies, so that the enemies will lose one person and the Jews will be able to preserve their dream of the Promised Land, the Greater Israel!"
If this is how an article starts, doesn't that show a few problems? How can you START a conversation with a hateful lie? This just shows where this article is going.
There are several other hateful lies that are contained within this article, but there is one major one that I would like to bring. This part focuses on blood libels and other false ideas of how Jews treat Gentiles.
"Dr. Jama al-Husseini Abu Farha, instructor in theology at the University of Suez, points out that what the media shows us every day about Israeli conduct in the occupied territories is no different than what their history shows us about their inhumane practices towards humanity as a whole.
One need only point out that they are 'blood suckers' according to the Talmudic dictates, which urge them to murder and draw the blood of Muslims in particular, and Christians even more so, and to use this blood in religious Israeli rituals."
What is almost comical about this statement is its inherent ignorance. The Talmud was written before Muslims existed, so it is impossible that the Talmud teaches that Jews should draw bloods from Muslims. This is besides the fact that it is a straight out lie. The Talmud, nor the Torah, ever says that we should draw blood from Gentiles.
Another ridiculous claim to "prove" that blood libels actually occurred is this:
"Since admission is the highest form of evidence, we will present to the reader a letter of confession written by the Jewish Rabbi known as 'Neophytos the Convert [to Christianity].'(4)
The letter has to do with the Jews slaughtering non-Jews, draining their blood, and using it for Talmudic religious rituals. Neophytos called his letter 'The Secret of the Blood'; in it he said that 'from a young age, the Jewish Rabbis teach their students how to use non-Jews' blood to treat illnesses and for sorcery..."
Does the Author of this article realize that a Jew that converts to Christianity is not an admission from a Jew. It is an admission from a man that hates Judaism, this is why he converted. At the very least he was trying to gain favor with the Christians of the time. Therefore, it is not an admission of guilt in any way, it is a way for this man to get in good standings with his Christian brothers and prove he is a "good" Christian of that time.
If anyone would actually like to know the truth of how Jews are supposed to treat non-Jews, based on the Talmud and Bible, I wrote a post on it here and here.
Hopefully, we will all be able to get along. I hope that Muslim countries will read this verse and hold by it: "[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve."
However, right now it seems like they are following this: " O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people."
"[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve."
Here it seems like the religion of Islam is supposed to respect and accept the other monotheistic religions. It even says that these other monotheistic religions "have nothing to fear."
[2.120] "And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians until you follow their religion. Say: Surely Allah's guidance, that is the (true) guidance. And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper."
This passage, that i found here, that if you follow Judaism or Christianity you will not be saved. Apparently, unless you follow Islam, you will not be saved. This seems to contradict the previous quote.
At the same site I found this: [5.51]" O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people."
This is troublesome since it seems like the Koran teaches Muslims not to befriend non-Muslims. In fact, it goes so far to say that Muslims that befriend non-Muslims must not be real Muslims. This completely destroys any chance of Muslim-non-Muslim relations.
These sources are a little confusing and leave me befuddled. Why does the Koran seemingly contradict itself? Why does the Koran seem to tolerate Jews and Christians and then completely reject them?
Leaving these issues aside, there seems to be an immense hatred for Jews, even from countries that are supposed to be Israel's allies. I found on this site an article in a widely read Egyptian magazine something very disturbing. It was written in The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), August 17, 2004 authored by Hussam Wahba.
At the beginning of the article it says this:
"... The Jews forgot that their primary constitution, on which they rely, is full of intellectual religious terrorism against all other nations. Aqidati decided to wage a battle against International Zionism in order to expose the extent of terrorism that exists in the Zionist doctrinal mind.
The truth of the matter is that the Jews themselves do not deny [the existence of] Zionist terrorism. Whoever visits the Israeli parliament known as 'The Knesset' will notice at the main entrance a sentence written on the wall saying: 'Compassion towards a non-Jew is forbidden, if you see him fall into a river or face danger, you are prohibited from saving him because all the nations are enemies of the Jews and when a non-Jew falls into a ditch, the Jew should close the ditch on him with a big boulder, until he dies, so that the enemies will lose one person and the Jews will be able to preserve their dream of the Promised Land, the Greater Israel!"
If this is how an article starts, doesn't that show a few problems? How can you START a conversation with a hateful lie? This just shows where this article is going.
There are several other hateful lies that are contained within this article, but there is one major one that I would like to bring. This part focuses on blood libels and other false ideas of how Jews treat Gentiles.
"Dr. Jama al-Husseini Abu Farha, instructor in theology at the University of Suez, points out that what the media shows us every day about Israeli conduct in the occupied territories is no different than what their history shows us about their inhumane practices towards humanity as a whole.
One need only point out that they are 'blood suckers' according to the Talmudic dictates, which urge them to murder and draw the blood of Muslims in particular, and Christians even more so, and to use this blood in religious Israeli rituals."
What is almost comical about this statement is its inherent ignorance. The Talmud was written before Muslims existed, so it is impossible that the Talmud teaches that Jews should draw bloods from Muslims. This is besides the fact that it is a straight out lie. The Talmud, nor the Torah, ever says that we should draw blood from Gentiles.
Another ridiculous claim to "prove" that blood libels actually occurred is this:
"Since admission is the highest form of evidence, we will present to the reader a letter of confession written by the Jewish Rabbi known as 'Neophytos the Convert [to Christianity].'(4)
The letter has to do with the Jews slaughtering non-Jews, draining their blood, and using it for Talmudic religious rituals. Neophytos called his letter 'The Secret of the Blood'; in it he said that 'from a young age, the Jewish Rabbis teach their students how to use non-Jews' blood to treat illnesses and for sorcery..."
Does the Author of this article realize that a Jew that converts to Christianity is not an admission from a Jew. It is an admission from a man that hates Judaism, this is why he converted. At the very least he was trying to gain favor with the Christians of the time. Therefore, it is not an admission of guilt in any way, it is a way for this man to get in good standings with his Christian brothers and prove he is a "good" Christian of that time.
If anyone would actually like to know the truth of how Jews are supposed to treat non-Jews, based on the Talmud and Bible, I wrote a post on it here and here.
Hopefully, we will all be able to get along. I hope that Muslim countries will read this verse and hold by it: "[2:62] Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve."
However, right now it seems like they are following this: " O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people."
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