Parashat Behar and Rabbi David Einhorn: Lessons for Addressing the Legacy of Slavery and Colonization
Parashat Behar, which spans Leviticus 25:1 to 26:2, offers a profound framework for addressing the lingering effects of slavery and colonization in our contemporary world. The principles within this week’s Torah portion, particularly those related to the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, emphasize justice, economic equity, and the restoration of dignity to the oppressed. These ancient teachings resonate powerfully with the modern imperative to address the historical injustices of slavery and colonization.
The Sabbatical year, or Shemitah, calls for the land to lie fallow and debts to be forgiven every seventh year. The Jubilee year, or Yovel, occurs every fiftieth year and mandates the return of land and the release of slaves, symbolizing an economic reset and social renewal. These practices highlight the importance of economic justice and the need to prevent perpetual poverty. In today's context, this can be paralleled with the advocacy for reparations, land restitution, and policies aimed at economic equity for communities affected by slavery and colonization.
Rabbi David Einhorn, a prominent figure in both the European and American Jewish Reform movements, exemplified the application of Jewish ethics to contemporary social issues. Born in 1809 in Germany, Einhorn was a pioneer in the Reform Judaism movement, which sought to modernize Jewish practice and beliefs. He emigrated to the United States in 1855, where he became known for his progressive views and outspoken opposition to slavery. His vehement opposition to slavery, despite the significant personal risks involved, showcases moral courage and ethical leadership.
Einhorn's stance against slavery was notably solitary and dangerous. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, he faced considerable opposition from both his congregation and the broader southern rabbinic establishment. Baltimore, a city with strong pro-slavery sentiments, was not a welcoming environment for an abolitionist like Einhorn. His vocal condemnation of slavery, particularly in his publication "War and the Bible" and through his sermons, angered many. This culminated in a dramatic and dangerous situation in 1861, when Einhorn was forced to flee Baltimore due to threats against his life. He relocated to Philadelphia, where he continued his advocacy against slavery.
In stark contrast to Einhorn's courageous stand, other prominent Reform and Orthodox rabbis of the time supported slavery. Rabbi Morris Raphall of New York, for instance, delivered a notorious sermon in 1861 defending slavery as sanctioned by the Bible. Similarly, Rabbi Bernard Illowy of New Orleans argued in favor of the institution of slavery, aligning with the pro-slavery sentiments of many of his congregants and the broader southern society.
The stark differences between Einhorn and his contemporaries like Raphall and Illowy highlight the deep moral divide within the Jewish community during this period. While Einhorn stood almost alone in his vehement opposition, facing great personal risk and ultimately being forced to relocate, others chose to align their religious interpretations with the prevailing pro-slavery sentiments of the time.
Einhorn’s legacy teaches us that religious values are not merely abstract principles but actionable imperatives that call for engagement with the world's injustices. Just as Einhorn interpreted Jewish teachings as inherently opposed to slavery, we can interpret the principles of Parashat Behar as advocating for economic justice and the restoration of dignity to those historically oppressed. This interpretation can guide contemporary efforts to address systemic racism, economic disparities, and the ongoing impacts of colonization.
In practical terms, religious institutions today can engage in advocacy and social action inspired by Einhorn’s example and the teachings of Parashat Behar. This includes supporting policies that promote economic justice, such as reparations for descendants of enslaved people and debt relief for developing nations. It also involves empowering marginalized communities through education, job training, and community development initiatives.
Education plays a crucial role in this process. By fostering awareness about the history and ongoing impacts of slavery and colonization, religious communities can cultivate a deeper understanding and commitment to justice. This involves integrating these topics into religious education programs and public discourse, much like Einhorn did through his sermons and writings.
Building alliances across different faiths and communities is also essential. Just as Einhorn’s efforts were part of a broader movement of abolitionists, contemporary initiatives can benefit from interfaith and cross-cultural solidarity. By working together, communities can amplify their efforts to advocate for systemic change and address the legacies of historical injustices.
The teachings of Parashat Behar and the legacy of Rabbi David Einhorn offer a compelling call to action for addressing the modern-day aftereffects of slavery and colonization. Through moral courage, ethical leadership, education, and advocacy, we can work towards a society that embodies the principles of justice and equity. By drawing on these timeless values, we can continue the fight against the shadows of historical oppression and strive for a more just and equitable world.
Shabbat Shalom.
