My article in support of Esau upset some of my readers. Some seem to think that one may only make use of previously sanctioned official interpretations, and others think it is heretical to disagree with rabbinic interpretation. There is another section of my readership that thinks the opposite. So I think I ought to tackle the issue of Midrash head…
General Topics
The Esau Fan Club
The rabbis of the Talmud set out to portray Esau as the archetypal baddie. I, on the other hand, have a really soft spot for him. Right from the start, just because he’s born ruddy and hairy, the rabbis have it in for him. They obviously prefer the wan, pale, scholarly types who spend all day long at their books.…
Faith Schools
One of the side issues of multiculturalism is that it encourages religious, or as some prefer, “faith-based” education which is socially divisive. In truth there were “faith–based” schools in many European countries long before multiculturalism was an issue. It was seen as an issue of choice. In principle, as a confirmed believer in separating state from religion, I do not…
Multiculturalism
Everyone seems to be attacking multiculturalism nowadays. It is true that different groups of immigrants in Europe are huddling together in voluntary ghettos, but there have always been enclaves of class, region, and background. Matters are worse at the moment because so many Muslim immigrants oppose Western ideals whilst living off of them. Indeed, there are plenty of Orthodox Jews…
Abraham
Every time I read the Biblical narratives about Abraham (and it’s that time of the year in the synagogue) I am reminded of the differences between his day and ours–and I usually think the comparison favours his. I often come across people who claim that Abraham was rather primitive, specifically in the way he treated his women. But the fact…
Middle Eastern Books
My summer reading included some fascinating contrasts. It started with Amos Oz. I have to confess I am so far removed from secular Jewish angst that I have tended to steer clear of secular Israeli literature. Besides, I get so many anti-Israel and anti-Jewish opinions, and articles, and programs bombarding me, particularly whilst I’m in Europe, that frankly I just…