Your Talmudic Advice Column
Dear Rabbi Zahavy,
I was at a public Jewish event where a rabbi was speaking about the future of the Jewish people. At one point in his talk he lashed out at Jews who marry non-Jews. He said that they are “finishing Hitler’s work,” which I took to mean they are destroying the Jewish people.
This criticism disturbed my friends and me, especially because I have a child who is intermarried. So do others who were present and heard this rabbi.
I was hurt and offended by this statement. I did not say anything to the rabbi. Should I have spoken up?
Offended in Oradell
Dear Offended,
Yes, as a rule, you may speak up and let people know if you feel offended by what they say. That’s how we maintain a polite and orderly society. Even if the person speaking has a claim to respect and authority because he is a rabbi, that does not give him any right to say inane things that offend others.
