We’ve been in Los Angeles for 37 years so along with the recent rioting, we experienced the 1992 Rodney King riots. I thought then, as I think now – that the stories that sparked the riots are terrible, speaking of unbearable pain and injustice – but that I really don’t see a connection between racism/police brutality and looting Louis Vuitton stores or Target or the local mom and pop shops...I don’t understand how or why graffiti on synagogues is in any way an appropriate response.
Does anyone really believe this is the way to right the wrongs? Is any and all anger and violence justified in the face of racism?
And I thought then, as I think now – how unfortunate that the young go out and destroy that which it took their parents years to build. In 1992 many stores were burned and ransacked in the very neighborhoods where the rioters lived, enterprises that their parents had spent the previous 40 years building. There is energy among the young; there can be vision and idealism but so much lack of perspective.
The Talmud says, “If old men say 'destroy' and young men say 'build up', you should destroy and not build up because destruction by old men is considered construction and construction by boys is destruction.”
The Torah is frequently admonishing us to know our place. This means to recognize our unique strengths and weaknesses, to focus on the hand we are dealt and not the one we wish we were dealt or the hand that others were dealt. Certainly an aspect of this is recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of our age. What wisdom and life experience am I lacking at 25? What physical strength and drive am I lacking at 60? It is only with those recognitions in mind that we can make wise decisions.
In the book of Kings, there is a story about Rechovoam, the son of King Solomon. When he took over the throne the coffers were depleted and he very much wanted to impose a heavy tax on the people. His older advisers suggested that he wait. He should take time to consolidate his power and build a relationship of trust with the people. His younger advisers were less patient. They reminded him of the heavy taxes his father imposed and suggested that he impose even heavier ones! Young himself (and eager for the income), Rechovoam listened to his younger, more “sympatico” advisers. This ultimately led to the deaths of the tax collectors and the splitting of the kingdom.
I don’t expect such dire consequences now. I am hopeful that, having survived riots in the past, the city of Los Angeles (and other cities across America) will survive them again. I think that with the good will of the majority of the American people, and with the Almighty’s help, we will survive and recover. But...
Of course the timing is terrible. Just as stores and malls were about to open up, they have been looted and destroyed. In their naive desire to punish “the rich” they end up hurting themselves. For all the landlords and store owners who are taking a hit, there are hundreds, probably thousands of lower income workers who are hurt by this destructive behavior. Without perspective, we end up damaging the very people we want to help.
The Mishnah in Ethics of Our Fathers teaches: “Who is the wise man? The one who foresees the consequences.” This is so powerful. We are all susceptible to our emotions. We all have the potential to react in negative ways out of anger, pain, frustration, jealousy – you name the bad character traits, we all have them! But a wise person doesn’t just stop himself because he doesn’t want to listen to his negative self (although that’s certainly an important component); a wise person stops himself because he sees the future consequences. Where will this lead? Will it accomplish my goals? Will it encourage others to join our mission or alienate them?
I’m not going to list all the possible questions; that’s not the point. The point is that they should be asked. The point is that a reaction should be rational and methodical. The point is that goals are accomplished through strategy and unity, that we as a country need to work together.
What happened in Minnesota was an appalling tragedy. There are no words to adequately convey how wrong and terrible and painful it was. It is shocking to me that that level of police racism, abuse and brutality still exists. And justice must be meted out.
Unfortunately the reaction was also wrong. We haven’t learned from recent history and we haven’t learned our lessons from the Prophets either! Maybe, just maybe, we can learn them for the future.
More on the Riots:
(14) Anonymous, June 5, 2020 11:40 AM
Think intelligently, such wise advice :)
(13) Anonymous, June 4, 2020 12:48 PM
Cannot blame peaceful protestors
There are always opportunists that take advantage of situations like this. The majority of protestors were peaceful and their message is the one we have to look at. Our younger generation watched a man get killed before their eyes. They saw the injustice, they saw the brutallity and they want change. As no one likes to see fires and looting, the real message is the one that more than 99% of the protestors are sending. Equal justice For all. Let’s not lose sight if that.
(12) Dvirah, June 3, 2020 4:32 PM
The Nature of Racism
To the racist, there are no Jews/African-Americans (AAs)/etc. in the plural - actual individuals with a common origin and/or belief system who are otherwise distinct personalities. Rather, there is 'The Jew/AA/etc." - a mythical composite of all the traits the racist chooses to despise. Whenever the racist encounters, in person or via media, a Jew/AA/etc. the racist sees only the embodiment of the myth, not a real person.
For a person whose hatred is learned and not by conviction, a "close encounter" with an actual Jew/AA/etc. is often enough to shatter the myth and defuse the hatred, as attested by many articles posted on Aish. But for the racist whose hatred is a consciously or unconsciously chosen "comfort psychosis" - a shield against confronting the racist's own deep issues and problems - no reality is strong enough to change it. (Unless or until the racist finds the courage to heal.)
(11) Beryl, June 3, 2020 3:16 AM
One of best things I have ever read thank you.
Great article
(10) Jennifer, June 3, 2020 2:10 AM
I remember, Rodney King
I also lived through the Rondney King riots and looting. My husband was in the Marines at that time. He was deployed to the riots in Watts. We are gerium, we were not Jewish at that time. He had Just returned from Desert Storm and the went there. I completely agree with your perspective. We spent the next year trying and rebuilding those areas through a nationally recognized chesed program. It makes no sense, how destroying your home community, helps support the cause. FYI, I had an 8 month baby girl when he was deployed to the Rodney King riots. She was born while he was in Desert Storm
(9) zlate1, June 2, 2020 6:12 PM
There is a core of anarchists who are using this horrible incident
There are people who shouldn't be teachers because they kill their student's souls, there are doctors who shouldn't practice because they do more harm than good and there are policemen who shouldn't be in the police force. There are also evil cynical people out there who will use any incident to let slip the dogs of war for their own purposes. They incite others to violence not because they are outraged by what happened but because they have an agenda By creating chaos they hope to achieve it. Usually it is political. These people do not care how many additional innocent victims will lose their lives or lively hoods. They must not be allowed to succeed.
(8) montlasky, June 2, 2020 3:13 PM
Who ever did this is the he same guy who defaces tombstones!!
Who ever did this is the same kind of guy who defaces tombstones!!
(7) KH, June 2, 2020 2:37 PM
As a white woman, I feel it’s time I start asking questions, listening and trying to understand on a deep level instead of sharing MY thoughts, MY opinions, MY take on the situation.
Natan, June 2, 2020 3:59 PM
And arm yourself too
As a white woman, it would be wise to arm yourself to cope with the realities on the ground while you're "listening".
Shelly, June 2, 2020 4:21 PM
So True
Wise words, Natan.
Since the signs painted on boards stated: “get the white guy” and “kill the Jew”, KH, you’ll need to do more than just listen.
(6) Nechama Fkeischmann, June 2, 2020 1:55 PM
While I don't condone looting in these situations, I certain can understand it. As a society we have created (especially in recent years) such a vast inequity between people that people are just fed up. This came into clarity when I watched the rioting in my home town of Philadelphia on TV. The rioting occurred in the well-to-do downtown area of Chestnut St, not in the poverty stricken, area of North or West Philadelphia where undoubtedly most of the rioters lived. These are neighborhoods where the city and federal government Jane invested nothing for many many years. There is no infrastructure, no industry, no jobs, no grocery stores, and people are being driven out of what homes they have by University land grabs. How many of us with our privilege, take for granted the ability to go into Starbucks and just buy a cup of coffee? What if you couldn't because you couldn't afford it? Or because the cops will be called even though you are lawfully there, waiting for your colleagues to show up for a meeting? What if on top of that, we now have a president who refused to acknowledge systemic racism in our society but thinks that the police brutality is just caused by a "few bad apples?" He threatens to solve the riot situation with more brutality. I can understand why they are fed up - if for 400 years your communities aren't invested in and you have nothing I guess people feel justified in taking it. Not that violence is correct, but to say you can't understand it is a bit of a stretch.
Shelly, June 2, 2020 4:25 PM
Wrong Answer
Sorry, Nechama. I’m not sure how you can certainly understand the looting that is going on. This is no way to right a wrong. People have spent their lives building businesses only to be destroyed by others. The frenzied grabbing of any item available tells me that this is pure hatred. Can you also understand the beating of the two white shop owners with 2x4’s by the looters? I hope not!
Anonymous, June 3, 2020 6:44 AM
systemic racism not supported by evidence, listen to black conservatives
It is a myth promoted by the left and their divisive agenda of class warfare. Check out Larry Elder, Candace Owens, Thomas Sowell and other courageous black conservatives who do their research. There are studies including one by black Professor Fryer at Harvard showing that there was no racial bias in police shootings. As Dennis Prager maintains, truth is not a left-wing value- check out his article posted today on Townhall. Or read Unfreedom of the Press by Mark Levin. Or consider the poverty and crime and oppression of blacks stuck in cities that deteriorated under decades of corruption under Democrats who oppose vouchers for black kids to get into better schools, etc. Contrast how blacks and other minorities fared regarding employment statistics under the 8 Obama/Biden years with the significant gains during just 3 years of Trump's tax and regulations cutting policies. According to Rabbi Kessin, Trump is the Esav tov, making teshuva with Israel. Hashem is certainly allowing the Left to reveal themselves and throw everything they can at him. The choice is so clear: chaos, anarchy, corruption. lies, destruction vs G-d, truth, the civil society, prosperity, and sanctity of life. Also check out articles by Rabbi Fischer at The American Spectator and books, radio show by Ben Shapiro. These are authors/menches who have devoted their lives to sorting out and bringing out the truth. Open your mind and choose wisely. :)
Anonymous, June 3, 2020 7:00 AM
I have never met someone who denied the existence of systemic racism while not being a racist himself.
(5) Jerry, June 2, 2020 1:29 PM
broad brush
yes there is racism, there has been racism since we were in Egypt. But all Egyptians were not bad and all police people are not bad and no one should paint the entire force with a broad brush. The question is why do so many see something like this as an approval to steal, burn and destroy all that someone else has built!! And worse, where are the so called black leaders to preach calm and restraint?
Awraham Itschak, June 2, 2020 1:48 PM
Hear Hear
Indeed, where are these so called black leaders to preach calm and restraint? Not even ML Kings son is doing this, the only thing he could say in an interview was "But the people are angry, who am I to tell them to stop protesting!" Must be brain dead this son of the reverend ML King, amnesia or alzheimers disease. At last the Floyd family said that this is not the way there son should be remembered, oy vey after six days of looting and arsoning they come with this statement
Anonymous, June 2, 2020 4:28 PM
AGREE!
Avraham, I agree with you whole heartedly. Where are the “heroes” of the black community? The entertainers, the sports figures, and the religious leaders? I, too, was happy to hear the brother of Mr Floyd speak out against the violence. Unfortunately, his voice is not being heard!
Rachel, June 4, 2020 5:41 PM
You conflate protesting with rioting
The vast majority of protesters are peaceably assembled, as permitted by the 1st Amendment. Blaming all protesters for looting, assault and arson is like blaming all police for police violence, all Muslims for terrorism, and all Jews for economic inequality. But for the virus, which has kept me from many important activities, I would be at the protests too.
Yoni, June 7, 2020 4:31 AM
Why is it ok for anyone to gather in large numbers in the middle of a pandemic? Hasn’t that been declared illegal in many states? Doesn’t it endanger lives? Why is any cause worth having people die?
Anonymous, June 2, 2020 3:11 PM
Ignorance is bliss
Jerry unfortunately you must have limited exposure as there are numerous black and white pastors and organizations that have spoken up. No one has taken a broad brush, however many have given racial relations lip service without action and coupled with a pandemic that has people unemployed, hungry and disproportionately dead from the virus and now dealing with murder after 400 years of being patient. Its human nature to only be able to stand so much. Looting and burning is wrong but a symptom of the larger problem. Another post talks about businesses lost well obviously have not lived in the neighborhoods that are being ripped off daily by high prices and low quality. In this economic inequality minority businesses have been the first lost and won't recover while the white community seems to carry on in a different reality and benefitting from years of bias practices that disadvantage others. I would suggest you seek to understand and do your homework before posting inaccuracies
(4) Anonymous, June 2, 2020 11:23 AM
We need to bring hope.
This kind of reaction comes from desperation. Someone who feels he has nothing to lose will keep fighting even when there's nothing to gain. We need to all collectively respond to the underlying issues so that the people know that they are heard and that they have a promising future in which their rights will be respected.
(3) Anonymous, June 1, 2020 2:38 PM
Comment on article
When you read and see what is happening in the US right now, think about the way the PLO is acting. Organizations are building against Israel and these people are joining the rioters to try to destroy Judaism. We must force Netanyahu to make Israel ONE state and put the PLO into Egypt, Jordan, Iran and the other Arab states where they belong. Blacklist the BDS organizers and send a clear message that the USA will never be governed by Sharia Law or foreigners. Speaking against Israel is speaking against the USA which is its partner. Freedom of Speech is nice, but when it comes to demoralizing and inciting demonstrations is not and those that speak to destroy or deface MUST face the criminal system and BE PUNISHED.
Natan, June 1, 2020 2:56 PM
Uh...
Ya mean treat the enemy as an ... enemy???
Nah, can't do that. Must not upset the rest of the world!
Obviously, I'm being sarcastic.
The only time we've ever been successful in Israel against those who seek our destruction is when we've done what G-d commands us to do - which includes (drum roll, please) defending each other and ourselves.
When we stop treating our own brethren's blood as cheap then G-d will help us:
"But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the Land from before you, then those whom you leave over will be as spikes in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they will harass you in the land in which you settle." - Numbers (Bamidbar), Chapter 33, verse 55
(2) Anonymous, June 1, 2020 2:02 PM
Please consider your focus.
In my humble opinion, and with no disrespect, I know that you do not have any bad intent. This premise is dangerous and ironically promotes the very thing we want to stop happening. To focus on the looting and fires at this time is wrong. To show our support of the millions of peaceful protesters is the focus and attention we should draw to this cause and to ourselves.
To speak about the Jewish people and the danger of antisemitism is important, but not on the back of this incident by diminishing its validity by talking about the looting, vandalism and fires. Our fight against antisemitism should not be won at the discredit of these protests in any way at this time. We need to show solidarity.
We should be careful not use this as a platform to focus on ourselves. We should simply 100 percent as a community, show solidarity with the African American community in its time of crisis and need.
YES, the fires, looting and vandalism are wrong, but don't let that be the smoke in our eyes, leading us off the path of what is right.
With great respect and admiration, my intent is to present this view that you may not have considered.
Natan, June 1, 2020 2:44 PM
So skewed
In my not-so-humble opinion:
Oh, I see, only injustice to blacks is injustice and only blacks have the right to protest injustice done to them.
Anonymous, June 2, 2020 1:52 PM
Yep
Yep, and only American Africans have the legal right to loot and set to fire the shops of hard working American Africans under the saying "They are part of the establishment!" Exit black shop owners. The same thing that happened in LA in the 90's when black looted the Korean stores, after the looting the Koreans left that neighborhood and never returned to it, there are hardly any shops in that area now.
Alan S., June 1, 2020 5:18 PM
A person's can certain see an entire picture and yet two equal but different focuses.
Sorry anonymous, I don't agree that we need to focus on only one message (as you say), even if it may be the more important of two or more messages. Nay, even if it seems that we should focus on one message at a time, in a nightmare like what is happening, it seems to me to be smarter to try to distill at least two messages (or more) to fully learn what we can.
The Rebbitzen wrote a 'pitch-perfect' article. There is no need to dilute the dual message inherent in her article. One can easily find the duality that exists in Judaism in many phenomena, such as sunrise and sunset. Yes, there is a time to mourn and a separate time to praise, but oft times they can exist together, ie., the bitter with the sweet.
Recognizing that a bigger message exists does not mean we can not or should not acknowledge that a deeper or secondary message exists.
The Rebbitzen has beautifully conveyed the exact message(s) she intends to.
If you would like to write an article for Aish focusing on only aspect of our national horror, go right ahead.
(1) Nancy, June 1, 2020 10:58 AM
Egregious does not even begin to describe it
But really, how horrible must it be for a person of color to be stopped while simply going for a jog?! And how many people of color will continue to be murdered just BECAUSE they are people of color? I do not condone looting at all, but I can see where the rage comes from. To quote a brilliant poet, how many deaths will it take till we know that too many people have died?
Natan, June 1, 2020 1:57 PM
Still guilty, as you stated - and still evil
You might feel differently if you were the victim of the evil rage.
Ask the black store owners who lost their livelihood if they're outraged.
Ask the synagogue members whose place of worship was trashed if they view this as something other than pure evil.
Nancy, June 1, 2020 6:52 PM
To commenter Natan
No, I was not the victim of the rage. And no, I would most likely not be calm enough to type these words if I had been the victim of this rage. Nonetheless, too many POC are being killed. That is a fact of life. There is too much anti Semitism in this world. That too is a fact of life. The only answer I have is to look within myself and see what actions I can personally take to stop this hatred.