Human RightsIsrael

Do Not Desecrate the Image of God

I wrote an op-ed piece that appeared in the Jerusalem Post on July 13, 2011, about the controversial book “Torah Hamelech,” a book that has been in the news here in Israel lately because of the outlandish claims it makes, such as:

  • The Ten Commandments’ prohibition on murder only applies to a Jew killing a Jew (although the authors admit you should not go around randomly killing non-Jews).
  • Any citizen in a “kingdom” that is against us and who supports war against us is a rodef (pursuer) and can be killed.
  • Any non-Jew who violates one of the Seven Noachide laws (laws that halacha traditionally considers binding on non-Jews, derived from laws given to Noah) is subject to the death penalty, and a Jew who witnesses this violation is permitted to act as witness, judge, and executioner all at the same time. Many extremist settlers claim that all Palestinians are in violation of the Noachide prohibition against theft because they want to steal “our” land.

Naturally, my conclusions are somewhat different. You can read the full article on the Jerusalem Post website.

Barry Leff

Rabbi Barry (Baruch) Leff is a dual Israeli-American business executive, teacher, speaker and writer who divides his time between Israel and the US.

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