Anti-Semitism

This a series of posts explores anti-Semitism, its origins, the motivations behind it, its various manifestations, its consequences, and its possible future. The series also proposes a method for determining when an act or statement is anti-Semitic and concludes with some suggestions for remedying the consequences of anti-Semitism. A series of discussion questions is also included.

Review of the previous post.

The previous post, post number 5 of 33, was the fourth of 4 posts discussing an overview of anti-Semitism and continued the discussion

Preview of this post.

This post, post number 6 of 33, is the first of two posts discussing Jews’ fear of assimilation as being one reason for the rise of anti-Semitism.

1. IV. Fear of Assimilation caused Jews to remain separate

1. Introduction

While the causes of such a hateful attitude as anti-Semitism are many and varied, this essay will suggest several causes and focus on one root in particular (fear of assimilation) and leave it to the reader to identify others. As discussed in other essays, assimilation was (and remains) one step toward the death of Judaism. As has been discussed elsewhere, one purpose of the Bible teachings regarding chosenness and separation was intended to prevent assimilation by a dispersed people into the societies in which they were dwelling after the fall of the temple and the exile of the people from their land.  This ethos of chosenness and separateness was interpreted by other cultures as a feeling of superiority and a characteristic of divided loyalty, which initially was merely resented, but was later used to justify hatred of Jews. This portion of the essay suggests that there might be a connection between the separateness of the Jews and their desire to remain separate and the beginning, and continuation of, anti-Semitism as a response to the Jews’ desire to remain separate. As discussed in other essays, the concept of chosenness and separateness were used by the sages to prevent Jews from assimilating into other cultures.

Preview of the next post.

The next post, post number 7 of 33, is the second of two posts discussing Jews’ fear of assimilation as being one reason for the rise of anti-Semitism and focuses on the Biblical teaching of remaining separate.