Daily Jewish Thought

The Purim Story & Understanding the Uniqueness of Anti-Semitism and the Jewish Response


Listen Later

Anti-Semitism is not merely another form of bigotry or racial hatred—it is unique in its universality, its persistence throughout history, and its deep, irrational roots. From Pharaoh to Hitler, from ancient Persia to modern-day university campuses, the Jew has been targeted with a singular, unparalleled intensity. Why? What makes this hatred different from all other hatreds?

This class delves into the core of Jew-hatred, exploring its historical patterns and its spiritual roots. The Talmudic parable of the "mound and the ditch" reveals that anti-Semitism is not simply about economics, politics, or cultural tensions—it is about something much deeper. The world has an innate reaction to the presence of the Jew, a reaction that stems from the unique role that the Jewish people play in history as the bearers of Divine morality.

Through the lens of Torah, the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and a contemporary analysis of world events—including the resurgence of anti-Semitism post-October 7, 2023—this class seeks to answer the unanswerable: Why does the world hate the Jew? And, more 

importantly, how should we respond?

Key Takeaways:

  1. A Hatred Like No Other – Anti-Semitism has persisted for thousands of years across all cultures and ideologies, defying conventional explanations.
  2. The "Mound and the Ditch" Paradigm – The Talmud describes two types of anti-Semites: those who see Jews as an unwanted obstacle and those who feel an existential void because of Jewish morality.
  3. The Sinai Connection – The world’s rejection of Jewish existence is linked to our mission as bearers of Divine ethics, which some embrace and others resent.
  4. Appeasement Does Not Work – History has proven that trying to minimize or hide Jewish identity never quells anti-Semitism; it often exacerbates it.
  5. The Jewish Response – Strengthening our connection to G-d, embracing Torah and mitzvot, and standing firm in Jewish pride is the only true antidote to anti-Semitism.

#Antisemitism #Judaism #Purim #JewishHistory #Haman #Rebbe #habad #chabad #Jewishsurvival #Talmud #Jewish #MoralCourage #MoralResponsibility #JewishIdentity 

Support the show

Got your own question for Rabbi Bernath? He can be reached at [email protected] or http://www.theloverabbi.com

Single? You can make a profile on www.JMontreal.com and Rabbi Bernath will help you find that special someone.

Donate and support Rabbi Bernath’s work http://www.jewishndg.com/donate

Follow Rabbi Bernath’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ybernath

Access Rabbi Bernath's Articles on Relationships https://medium.com/@loverabbi


...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Daily Jewish ThoughtBy [email protected] (Rabbi Yisroel Bernath)

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

49 ratings


More shows like Daily Jewish Thought

View all
The Office of Rabbi Sacks by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

The Office of Rabbi Sacks

536 Listeners

The Tikvah Podcast by Tikvah

The Tikvah Podcast

632 Listeners

The Commentary Magazine Podcast by Commentary Magazine

The Commentary Magazine Podcast

5,115 Listeners

Orthodox Conundrum by Scott Kahn

Orthodox Conundrum

216 Listeners

18Forty Podcast by 18Forty

18Forty Podcast

652 Listeners

Unpacking Israeli History by Unpacked

Unpacking Israeli History

1,120 Listeners

Call Me Back - with Dan Senor by Ark Media

Call Me Back - with Dan Senor

3,051 Listeners

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing by The Times of Israel

The Times of Israel Daily Briefing

1,044 Listeners

Honestly with Bari Weiss by The Free Press

Honestly with Bari Weiss

8,600 Listeners

AND HERE’S MODI by Modi

AND HERE’S MODI

232 Listeners

Gedale Fenster - Podcast by Gedale Fenster - Podcast

Gedale Fenster - Podcast

377 Listeners

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam by Unpacked

Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam

135 Listeners

Israel: State of a Nation with Eylon Levy by State of a Nation Podcast

Israel: State of a Nation with Eylon Levy

373 Listeners

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt by Jonah Platt

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt

390 Listeners

Breaking History by The Free Press

Breaking History

657 Listeners