From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, July 19,20, 2024/6,7 Tammuz 5784
A short summary of this Sabbath Torah portion:
Balak was the king of Moab, he sent Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites. There are Balaam’s prophecies. Balak was furious with Balaam because Balaam blesses the children of Israel. The Israelites started to practice the cult of the Baal of Peor.
There is so much hatred throughout the world and this Torah portion has the concept and value of Sinnat Chinam: causeless hatred. One example of hatred for no just cause was the plot by the Moabites against the children of Israel.
Judaism always denounces hatred. “What is hateful to you, do not do to others,” states the rabbis (Talmud Shabbat 31a). The most vicious form of hatred is the one without any real cause, and the rabbis denounced it in extreme terms. The Talmud states that causeless hatred is as wicked as adultery, idolatry, and murder combined (Yoma 9b).
Today, the hatred and Antisemitism is at the highest levels. As some of you know, I am a member of the Utah Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commissioners on Civil Rights. The committee is in the planning stages, meetings with key individuals, and once a month the public may join to hear and ask questions. Our Utah committee is working on how to address hatred and discrimination in our schools. A superintendent and teachers developed a program where diverse students meet and discuss issues. By the end of the year many had became friends.
When people are teaching their children or schools indoctrinating youths are learning to hate other people because of their looks or dress, or other faiths simply for no cause is pure uncaused hatred and Antisemitism. This Semester Utah Tech University and the St. George Interfaith Council with many faith leaders will be participating for discussions to teach why Not To Hate people or Religions. The class is meeting on Thursday nights 8pm -9pm starting on August 26 at the Institute building near the Hazy building on campus. Q & A will follow.
I believe this will be helpful and bring people together, but most important is to stop antisemitism and hate in the community and country. Further information to follow.
Shabbat Shalom v’ Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
