In a recent piece (“Notes on Some Historical Aspects Relating to Chanukah and the Hasmoneans in the Second Temple Period” [December 9, 2023] > “Quietism in Josephus and the Talmud”), I discussed the quietism of Talmudic rabbis and Josephus, the Three Oaths, and the commandment of living in Israel.
fascinating. never saw this gemarra cited before. striking conclusion: " with this problem we lie down and with this problem we rise up, for we are constantly struggling with the dilemma of how to eliminate the Jewish people." it suggests not only that there was a "Jewish problem," but that it was considered serious and all-consuming. and i in turn assume it was because of the classic explanation of jewish life and ideology challening that of the host country. curious to know if there are commentaries that confirm that.
"jewish life and ideology challenging that of the host country". In classical Greek and Roman sources, the explanation for antipathy towards Jews is typically that the Jews refuse to participate in communal worship of the traditional gods. The classical rabbinic explanation for Roman, and later Christian, antisemitism is a metaphysical one: it stems from the eternal hatred of Esav for Yaakov
fascinating. never saw this gemarra cited before. striking conclusion: " with this problem we lie down and with this problem we rise up, for we are constantly struggling with the dilemma of how to eliminate the Jewish people." it suggests not only that there was a "Jewish problem," but that it was considered serious and all-consuming. and i in turn assume it was because of the classic explanation of jewish life and ideology challening that of the host country. curious to know if there are commentaries that confirm that.
"jewish life and ideology challenging that of the host country". In classical Greek and Roman sources, the explanation for antipathy towards Jews is typically that the Jews refuse to participate in communal worship of the traditional gods. The classical rabbinic explanation for Roman, and later Christian, antisemitism is a metaphysical one: it stems from the eternal hatred of Esav for Yaakov