Antisemitism

Gain perspective on antisemitism, as illuminated by Torah and the Rebbe's Hadracha.

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We do not venture to say that we know what Torah or the Rebbe’s position is on this event or on any other event or subject. We are merely presenting various ideas that may have some bearing on what is taking place today.

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Topics Included

• The Yiddishe Boycott

• We are All Hashem's Creations

• You Deserve it, So Be Proud of It!

• Antisemitism is an Unfortunate Reality

• The Hatred is Still There

• Getting to the Bottom of the Problem

• The Alter Rebbe Knows What He’s Talking About!

• The Two Groups of Anti-Semites

• Most Politicians are Not Anti-Semites

• You Can Put On a Wig!

• The History of Antisemitism

• Our Miraculous Survival

• A Yid is Different!

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View them all here

The Yiddishe Boycott

To boycott is a form of response that displays strength, and the symbolic and spiritual counterpart is as much if not more important.

An individual once asked the Rebbe what his stance should be regarding acquiring German-made products in light of Halacha and Minhag?

The Rebbe responded:

“Surely, this is more a matter of feeling rather than a question of Jewish law and custom. Consequently, as in all matters of sentiment, it is difficult to express an opinion that would have universal application. At any rate, it certainly cannot be categorized as a "weakness." On the contrary, a decision of this kind bespeaks strength of will, all the more so since it entails some inconvenience. Nor can it be considered an "impropriety" since it is based on a principle which may be considered to come under the category of "Remember what Amalek did unto you." … Moreover, I do not think that anyone seriously believes that the Germany of today is entirely different from the Germany of two decades ago.”

The Rebbe then continued, stressing the more critical issue at hand: just as there can be a physical “final solution” —the physical extermination of six million Jews h”yd— so too there can be its spiritual counterpart —mass assimilation— which we battle with today.

In the Rebbe’s words:

“Each and every one of us who is aware of the situation must do everything possible to counteract the tide of assimilation by positive and dedicated action, to strengthen the eternal Jewish values and Torah-true institutions in his community and environment.”

See the original letter here

The Alter Rebbe Knows What He’s Talking About!

When Mr. Zalmen Jaffe printed the English Tanya in England, he was unsure whether he should have an English translation of the end of Perek Alef, where the Alter Rebbe speaks about gentiles.

The following is a summary of the Rebbe’s response:

Since the Tanya has already been printed in many other languages, there would be no point in taking it out. Furthermore, one doesn't have to be a kabbalist to see that the Alter Rebbe was correct in his assessment, for all the nations of the world were witnesses to what was going on in Germany, and the countries it overran yet remained indifferent… Putting all this aside, If we are dealing with a goy who wants to keep his feelings to himself and not make trouble, he will not make an issue of it. If he is the kind of goy that wants to make trouble he can create issues without looking for them in books, as in the case of the Blood Libel, which you cite in your letter.

See the full letter here