Tag Archives: Israel

Relations with the enemy

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Benedict Roth

Jewish thought usually takes care not to demonize enemies. But Purim might be an exception.  The rabbis connect Haman, the villain, with Amalek, a destructive nation whom we are commanded to exterminate.  Our relationship with Amalek is close to a … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Purim, Torah, War | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Slaves or Slave-Owners?

Posted on April 3, 2011 by Benedict Roth

An extraordinary comment in the Jerusalem Talmud over-turns our self-image as “slaves in Egypt” and reminds us that we might have been slave-owners too in Egypt.  It suggests that Passover commemorates not only the day when we became a free … Continue reading →

Posted in Passover | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment