Skip to content
You are here:
Rabbi Friedman Clarifies Comments in Moment Magazine PDF Print
Rabbi Friedman clarifies comments in Moment Magazine
Rabbi Friedman writes:

I would like to clarify the answer published in my name in last month's issue of Moment Magazine.

First of all, the opinions published in my name are solely my own, and do not represent the official policy of any Jewish movement or organization.

Additionally, my answer, as written, is misleading.

It is obvious, I thought, that any neighbor of the Jewish people should be treated, as the Torah commands us, with respect and compassion. Fundamental to the Jewish faith is the concept that every human being was created in the image of G-d, and our sages instruct us to support the non-Jewish poor along with the poor of our own brethren.

The sub-question I chose to address instead is: how should we act in time of war, when our neighbors attack us, using their women, children and religious holy places as shields. I attempted to briefly address some of the ethical issues related to forcing the military to withhold fire from certain people and places, at the unbearable cost of widespread bloodshed (on both sides!) -- when one’s own family and nation is mercilessly targeted from those very people and places.

Furthermore, some of the words I used in my brief comment were irresponsible, and I look forward to further clarifying them in the future.

I apologize for any misunderstanding my words created.

-- Rabbi Manis Friedman

For further reading click here
 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]

DONATE

We’re counting on her - to build our Jewish future.
She’s counting on us - to teach her how.

Donate Now

Read more

Impressions

They’re poignant, thoughtful, funny, honest and raw. Read these impressions of Bais Chana written by teens, students, women and couples.

Been to Bais Chana and the memory’s stayed with you? Share your impressions here.

Search, Shop & Raise

Click through these icons and Bais Chana earns money each time you search and shop.

It’s that simple. read more

YOU SEARCH OR SHOP
WE GIVE!
Search the Web now Money-saving coupons
Raise money for
Bais Chana just by searching the web and shopping online!

Meet Kayla from Seattle. She’s got questions about life, about purpose and about her role as a woman. more women's profiles

 

Meet Dani. She attends a private school for math and science near Chicago, and really enjoyed meeting girls from around the world the summer she spent at Bais Chana. more teen profiles

Meet Yanna from Uzbekistan. Everything piqued her interest at Bais Chana – especially the waverunning. more student profiles

Following In Their Footsteps
Wondering where your favorite Bais Chana teachers will be over the next month? Track their footsteps here and catch up with them at classes, workshops, weekends and community events all over the world. this month’s calendar