In the Bible: Non-Jews

From the beginning of time and the Torah, the contribution of non-Jews to Jewish history

Nov 05, 1998

Professor Wiesel asks why the stories in the Bible are devoid of Jewish reference and characters until Abraham and Sarah. He explains that the story of pagans and non-Jews are also part of Jewish history. Professor Wiesel revisits the tales of Ishmael, Esau, Pahroah, Jethro and Bilaam with empathy and shows that Jethro, in particular, is worthy of our respect. Professor Wiesel teaches us that to humiliate another is to debase ourselves and that humiliation is equivalent to murder.

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Subthemes:
1) The Creation Story and Adam and Eve: The First Non-Jews
2) The Ger, the Nichar, and the Zar
3) 33 Years at 92Y
4) Ishmael: Son of Abraham, NOT of Sarah
5) Esau: A Prenatal Victim
6) Jews don’t always get it right either!
7) Simeon and Levi, the Golden Calf
8) Pharaoh: A Leader at Odds
9) Bilaam: A Blessing on Your Heads
10) A Return to Historical Pharoah: Abram & Sarai
11) Jethro: A Beloved Outsider
12) With Questionable Motives?
13) Friend of Baby Moses
14) Who are We to Judge?
15) Watch Your Words: Kol Hamatzil Hanefesh…
16) Pikuach Nefesh Applications
17) Why These Tales Must Be Told
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