Jews should have no part of smearing Obama - by Rabbi Michael P. Sternfield

[Hope And Change]

Jews should have no part of smearing Obama

September 18, 2008

BY RABBI MICHAEL P. STERNFIELD

In the Jewish religion, there are few interpersonal transgressions that are condemned more than "lashon ha-ra" and "rechilut," literally evil speech and malicious gossip. Nevertheless, within the Jewish community a vicious smear campaign is being waged against Sen. Barack Obama through unsubstantiated or anonymous e-mails. Frankly, as a rabbi, I am ashamed that these lies are being generated and spread by some within our own Jewish community concerning Obama. Regardless of which candidate one may support, there is no place in this campaign for these kinds of lies. It is a sin to repeat or forward electronically via e-mail material that has an evil intent or that cannot be verified.

This insidious campaign is incredibly malicious and totally false. Unfortunately, with the power of the Internet, misinformation can be spread instantly throughout the world. By now, almost all Jewish Americans have received some of these e-mails and articles about Barack Obama. They distort Obama's religious faith, question his support for Israel, and defame his friends and allies from Chicago. The purpose of the smear is to paint him as Israel-hating, terrorist-coddling and worse.

"He's a Muslim. He was sworn into office on the Quran. His pastor is an anti-Semite. He's a tool of Louis Farrakhan. He's anti-Israel. His advisers are anti-Israel. He's friends with terrorists. The terrorists want him to win."

The attacks on Obama reek of racism and Islamophobia. What is flooding our e-mails bears almost no relation to Obama's record. His first foreign policy speech of the general campaign was before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, where he pledged clear and strong commitment to the security of Israel.

On his recent visit to Israel, he was warmly received as a friend and made a very positive impression on Israelis and their leaders. Major American Jewish organizations have repeatedly defended Obama.

Yet they have had little sway over reactionary elements, sadly including extremist Jewish groups who are keeping the smear campaign alive.


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http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/1170834,CST-EDT-open18.article

[madaboutharry]

1. I think no person should be part of smearing Obama.

It is human decency to not smear a person and it applies to everyone. I am certain that these same ideals can be found in all religions.

[WinkyDink]

2. Did you miss the point entirely? The Rabbi is speaking TO HIS PEOPLE, a HUGE and NECESSARY voting

bloc (e.g., to win FLORIDA). These vile anti-Semitic smears against Obama are HURTING HIM with these voters.
Neither the OP nor the Rabbi is claiming uniqueness of "human decency not to smear others" to Judaism.
Though Christian clerics, Buddhist monks, et al. may feel free to join the conversation.

[madaboutharry]

4. No, I didn't miss his point.

I agree with him. I was simply adding that his words should apply to everyone.

[Meshuga]

3. lashon ha-ra is a big transgression in Jewish religion and ethics

And then you have a Dennis Prager who "preaches" Judaism while he smears Democrats in general. He even sold the swiftboat book about Kerry (Unfit for Service... I don't remember the name of the book) on his website. He actually has a book where he states that Judaism is more about conduct than belief but then he goes and have no shame in practicing his right-wing politics of smear. Go figure!