Every Generation Must Make The Case

sweden is embroiled with religious controversy. an unholy book burning tour is ongoing and started with an outrageous koran burning. the lighting up of both a torah and christian bible, before the israeli embassy, are in the works. jns.org

it is reported that “the head of the swedish jewish community has come out against an outright ban on burning holy books even as a majority of swedes favor such legislation.” this leader, mr. aron verstandig, chairman of the council of swedish jewish communities stated “in sweden we have a very wide freedom of expression and demonstration. that’s good, not least for those of us who belong to a minority. It gives us strong protection to state our views even when they conflict with the opinion of the majority.”

is he right?

while freedom of expression is an important value, there is a greater value at stake. with raising children, the totalitarian “do it because i told you so” rarely is effective. government often legislate with this parenting style. this style cannot work when our societies perpetually consist of youth. with each new generation comes with huge swaths of the ignorant or apathetic. morals, values and ethics are not innate.

in sweden, a dialogue with these burgeoning arsonists is more pressing than mere condemnation and a totalitarian bar. it is time to ask these firestarters to take the time read the texts they wish to destroy. it is time for them to express as to what words in these books are so offensive. likewise, they should be challenged to find the words within the texts words that they find valuable and positive. do these texts have something to offer to the secular world? the reality is that their impulsive need to burn texts is as dangerous as the world’s reflexive act of bar.

the reason falls upon us. we are obligated, in every generation, to make the case as to why these holy scriptures remain profoundly meaningful.

in zakhor, jewish history & jewish memory, author and scholar yosef hayim yerushalmi begins his journey with the notion that jewish history ended when the hebrew bible was canonized. this finality in about 100 c.e. came at a time which was most challenging in jewish history. their country has been conquered by the world’s superpower rome and their holy temple in jerusalem was destroyed for a second time.

at this point, it is posited that jewish history ended and that the bible was embraced the history. for jews, the bible was perhaps enough history. the bible served as the time when the creator of the world walked with mankind. it was the time in which he shepherded the children of israel and brought them from a husband and wife, abraham and sarah, and grew them into a nation that would live in a land flowing with milk and honey.

the bible and torah marks tales of almost every human failing as well as every human emotional tool to survive. these particular human failings were special as they were experienced at a time when the universe’s moral authority’s presence and reactions were recorded. to this, we understand the master of the universe’s expectations as far as morals, values and ethics. does not god’s conversation with cain bring meaning to the notion of murder? do we not appreciate the consequences of lying when we see joseph imprisoned based upon potiphar’s wife’s false accusation? do we not learn that forgiveness is possible when we read how with joseph and his brothers reconciled. in sum, the bible brings meaning and understanding to the laws of secular society. the texts words shed light upon society and therefore should not be set aflame.

be well!!

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