A Talmud page told this rabbi to speak up against what’s happening in Israel

Studying a passage from this week’s designated Talmud readings, RABBI STEPHEN BORODA found disturbing similarities between current leaders and the Jews held responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem.

As an Orthodox Rabbi, as a caring Jew, as an Israeli citizen, it’s time to speak up.

On Tuesday, I began my day, as always, with Daf Yomi, the designated daily Talmud page. The page (Gitin 56) discusses the phrase, “One who has a hardened heart will come to harm”, citing the story of Bar Kamtza.

A wealthy man threw a party and his servant mistakenly sent an invitation to his enemy Bar Kamtza instead of his friend Kamtza. The host embarrassed Bar Kamtza by trying to have him thrown out of the party. Bar Kamtza was incensed - not only at the behaviour of his host but that the many important rabbis present did not speak out in his defence. He took revenge on the community, going to the Roman authorities which ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem.

This Talmudic story teaches us that acting without considering the consequences can lead to tragic results. But it also reminds us that inaction can be just as damaging. The rabbis who failed to protest at the inappropriate behaviour of their host were a key catalyst for Bar Kamtza’s action.

Here is a parallel with Israel in 2023. How many rabbis have you heard speak out against the attempt by the current Israeli government to destroy Israel’s democratic system?

How many rabbis have you heard speak out against politicians who made life so unpleasant for long-serving Tel Aviv police chief Ami Eshed  by trying to insist that the officers under his command take a position of no tolerance towards legitimate protest, that he felt forced to take early retirement?

Unfortunately, very few. Instead, our gedolim (great rabbis) are concerned with one of two mistaken agendas.