RACISM

From a Torah perspective, racism in all forms is inherently wrong and immoral. There are a number of
reasons for this.
This author recalls Rav Yisroel Belsky zt”l being asked this question at a Q&A session in Camp Agudah.
Rav Belsky explained that all people were created B’Tzelem Elokim, in Hashem’s image. He cited Pirkei
Avos where Rabbi Akiva taught: Beloved is man, for he was created in the image; an even greater
expression of love is that it was made known to him that he was created in the image [of Hashem, as it is
stated: “For in the image of Hashem He made man.” Every person has a Divine dignity to them.
The great Roshei Yeshiva explained that the Nazis, yimach shemam, had lost their tzelem elokim
because of the depraved murderous acts that they had done. The implication is that others, all others,
have their tzelem elokim.
Rav Chaim Dovid HaLevi in his Assei lecha Rav (Vol. VIII #68) decries the notion of racism and describes
Torah hashkafa as being entirely free from it. In respona #69 he cites the Rambam’s Iggeres Teiman
indicating that the sole distinction between Klal Yisroel and other nations is tha we agreed to keep the
Torah.

MECHANEH SHEM RA
Use of a pejorative term to describe an entire group of people is also a violation of hamechaneh shem ra
l’chaveiro. The Gemara in Bava Metzia (58b) states that all the people who descend to Gehinnom arise
from there with the exception of three kinds: adulterers; those who affix a pejorative name to another;
and one who embarrasses his friend in public. These three never arise. This halachah is stated in
Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 228:5) and is nogaya. In this case it would be even worse because he
is hitting an entire group of people.
The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 3:14) lists this as one of the 24 categories of people that have no share
in the World to Come.

MISKABED B’KALON CHAVEIRO
Another issue in this particular case is called “miskabed b’kalon chaveiro,” receiving honor through the
embarrassment of another. The Midrash Rabbah (Bereishis 1:5) quotes Rabbi Yossi bar Rabi Chanina
that whosoever receives honor through the embarrassment of another has no share in the World to
Come. It is also cited in the Talmud Yerushalmi (Chagigah 2:1).
We find throughout halacha the notion of kavod habrios – human dignity. Nowhere is this defined
exclusively as Jewish dignity or white dignity like those mitzvos of amisecha vrchulay. All of mankind is
endowed with it.
A fascinating thought is presented by Rav Aharon Soloveitchik from the Talmud Yerushalmi in Bava
Metzia (2:5). There, Rabbi Shimon ben Shetach returned a pearl to an Arab idol-worshipper, after the
pearl was discovered on the donkey he had purchase from the Arab. Although it would not technically be considered stealing, Rabbi Shimon ben Shetach responded, “Did you take me for a barbarian?
Shimon Ben Shetach would rather hear the G-d of the Jews praised than all the money of this world.”
The use of the term “barbarian” intrigues Rav Soloveitchik. He explains that it means anyone who would
treat an outsider or an “other” in a manner that is different than the in group. It is a Kiddush Hashem, a
sanctification of Hashem’s Name when the Arab idol-worshipper sees others treated in the same
manner.
When and if there are manifestation of racism among our peers it is something that should be corrected
as it is an affront to the Creator – in that everyone was created in His image.