Goldstone banned from grandson's Bar Mitzva
Judaism has a concept of excommunication which is known as cherem. Although developed from the Biblical ban, excommunication, as employed by the Rabbis during Talmudic times and during the Middle Ages, it became a rabbinic institution, the object of which was to preserve Jewish solidarity. A system of laws was gradually developed by Rabbis, by means of which this power was limited, so that it became one of the modes of legal punishment by rabbinic courts. While it did not entirely lose its arbitrary character, since individuals were allowed to pronounce the ban of excommunication on particular occasions, it became chiefly a legal measure resorted to by a judicial court for certain prescribed offenses.It seems that Richard Goldstone has been placed in cherem by the South African Jewish community. He has therefore been banned from attending his grandson's Bar Mitzvah.
Following negotiations between the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) and the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol in Sandton, where the event is due to take place, an agreement has been reached with the family. As a result, Justice Goldstone will not be attending the synagogue service.Rabbi Kurtstag apparently agreed with the decision to ban Justice Goldstone from attending.
Some of the role-players were tight-lipped. Avrom Krengel, chairman of the SAZF, said: “We understand there’s a barmitzvah boy involved – we’re very sensitive to the issues; at this stage there’s nothing further to say.” While Krengel said the SAZF had “interacted” on the matter with the chief rabbi, the Beth Din and others, his organisation was “coming across most forcefully because we represent Israel”.
Rosh Beth Din Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag confirmed that the Beth Din had not been officially involved – though there had been “private talks” – and had not been asked by the synagogue to give a ruling on the matter. “But I know that there was a very strong feeling in the shul, a lot of anger (around the issue of Justice Goldstone attending).
“I heard also that the SAZF wanted to organise a protest outside the shul – (there were) all kinds of plans. But I think reason prevailed.”
Signalling his agreement with the turn of events, Rabbi Kurtstag said he believed Justice Goldstone had done “a tremendous disservice not only to Israel but to the Jewish world. His name is used by hostile elements in the world against Israel and this can increase anti-Semitic waves.The Left is up in arms over this, as you will see if you follow the link above.
“I understand that he is a judge, but he should have had the sense to understand that whatever he said wouldn’t be good and he should have just recused himself. People have got feelings about it, they believe he put Israel in danger and they wouldn’t like him to be getting honour (in synagogue).
“I think (the agreement) was quite a sensible thing to avert all this unpleasantness.”
But I have to say that I agree with it. Actions have consequences. One who purposely removes himself from the Jewish community and endangers the lives and well-being of fellow Jews deserves to be shunned. And that includes not being allowed into the synagogue and not being allowed to have a public honor. We do it to recalcitrant husbands who refuse to give their wives writs of divorce. Why shouldn't we do it to someone who has brought opprobrium upon Israel and upon Jews worldwide?
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:36 PM
5 Comments:
Judge Goldstone should do the decent thing now and become a muslim; that is his natural bent and at least no one will be disillusioned when confronted with him.
He could be called Mo Al Husseini, after the ex Mufti, whose policies he wants to fulfil.
My resonse to Zackie Achmat:
Zackie, while I applaud the work you did on HIV / Aids I would not welcome you in my home because of what you wright:
"Right-wing defenders of the Israeli war-crimes are prepared to destroy life and dignity... The biggest obstacle to this freedom and co-existence is the apartheid state of Israel and the US."
And I have this right to deny you entrance into my home (and ET and Malema too); and even my house of worship should my fellow congregants agree with me. Should you wish to mouth off in Woolworths there's nothing I can do about it for "it is a public space" (management, however, may disagree)
And it is in this spirit that Goldstone was banned from the synagogue. If he wants to have a barmitzvah in a shul that welcomes him he may do so. No one is stopping him.
Mpho, Edwin, F and all the others who choose to support your article fail to note that fact.
And it is a very key point to ignore.
You choose to forget that fact and seize upon this incident as a chance to attack the local Jewish community, and the State of Israel.
This is a private affair and I ask you you to respect that.
Richard Goldstone deserves the same treatment as the minim from the Neturei Karta. If you side with Israel's enemies and openly help them, you're not going to receive a warm welcome from Jews to participate in their community life. He chose to blacken Israel's name and the consequences he is given to face in my view, are still far too mild given what he did to the good name and reputation of Israel in the world.
Still it sends a very important message.
any jew who places other jews in harms way must be placed in cherem
i support this decision
and the cherem should go world wide
Goldstone inflicted cherem upon himself. A worldwide excommunication is unnecessary - effectively it exists.I doubt he would ever feel comfortable entering a mainstream synagogue again. He is irredeemable.
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