The Sin of "Timhon Levav"

a state of moral confusion within one's heart

Today I am going to share the words of Rabbi Rachel Isaacs (with her permission), in hopes that they can give you a sense of standing on solid ground during this heartbreaking and scary time.

Rabbi Issacs wrote: 

When individuals and organizations place blame on Israel for the terrorist attacks, they are engaging in what can be described as the sin of "Timhon Levav" – a state of moral confusion within one's heart.

This moral confusion of the heart is actively fostered in some of the most esteemed educational institutions in the United States, cloaking classic, harmful antisemitism in the guise of scholarly language and bolstered by the shield of institutional prestige. "Timhon Levav", moral confusion of the heart, is a sin because it justifies the most abject evil. We have a duty to denounce and oppose it, even when doing so challenges our standing in polite society.

Reading Rabbi Isaacs’ thoughts gave me words to the feeling I have seeing all this justification and attempts to contextualize terrorism. 

Since the 7th of October, the Jewish community is being exposed to two horrors at the same time. The first horror is immediate: the horror of learning more each day about the depth of human atrocities committed by Hamas during the terrorist attacks, the anxiety and rage about the hostages still being held in Gaza, and deep sadness for Palestinian civilians. 

The second horror is watching friends, acquaintances, activists, institutions, governments, and the media respond to and twist Hamas’ act of terrorism by blaming Israel and unleashing - out of malice or ignorance - a wave of antisemitism worldwide. 

In all of this noise, it is not always easy to recognize antisemitism for what it is. Here is a complete definition of antisemitism (with examples) by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.  Today, we are seeing a multitude of voices criticizing Israel, frequently crossing the line from fair critique of politics into anti-semitism. Including: 

• Rejecting the Jewish people's right to self-determination, such as asserting that the establishment of the State of Israel is a racially discriminatory undertaking.

• Employing dual standards by demanding from Israel behavior that isn't typically expected or required of other democratic nations.

• Utilizing symbols and depictions commonly associated with historic anti-Semitism, like allegations of Jewish involvement in Jesus's death or blood libel, to portray Israel or its citizens.

• Making analogies between contemporary Israeli policies and those of the Nazis.

• Blaming Jewish people as a whole for the actions of the Israeli government.

Rabbi Isaacs uses the Jewish idea of "Timhon Levav" – a state of moral confusion within one's heart to diagnose the sickness of antisemitism that we are seeing rising around us. 

Anti-Semitism possesses its unique qualities, yet, similiar to other forms of hatred, it thrives in silence and flourishes through compliance.

Please use your voice to support Israel. 

Next week, I am going to try to get back to our food theme. Thank you for your patience.

Best Wishes

Kenden