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First the Jews: Combating the Worlds Longest-Running Hate Campaign
"All Jews must die."
Robert Bowers screamed these words as he walked into a Temple and murdered 11 people.
Where does this hate come from? Why is it rising again in America? What do we need to do to stop it?
Prepare to be stunned, shocked, and illuminated as Rabbi Evan Moffic answers these questions.
He reveals why the world's oldest hatred--once thought to be over after the Holocaust--keeps coming back to life. This book gives the clearest and most concise explanation of where antisemitism comes from, why it continues, and how to stop its resurgence today.
Interwoven is Moffic's personal story as a rabbi who led his community in responding to antisemitic attacks and working with Christian leaders to stand up to them.
He answers the age-old charge that Jews killed Jesus and that Jews still dominate the media and Hollywood. In the end, you will discover the path to moving beyond old ways of thinking...you will enter into the redemptive story of overcoming the extremism and hatred spreading across our world today.
Robert Bowers screamed these words as he walked into a Temple and murdered 11 people.
Where does this hate come from? Why is it rising again in America? What do we need to do to stop it?
Prepare to be stunned, shocked, and illuminated as Rabbi Evan Moffic answers these questions.
He reveals why the world's oldest hatred--once thought to be over after the Holocaust--keeps coming back to life. This book gives the clearest and most concise explanation of where antisemitism comes from, why it continues, and how to stop its resurgence today.
Interwoven is Moffic's personal story as a rabbi who led his community in responding to antisemitic attacks and working with Christian leaders to stand up to them.
He answers the age-old charge that Jews killed Jesus and that Jews still dominate the media and Hollywood. In the end, you will discover the path to moving beyond old ways of thinking...you will enter into the redemptive story of overcoming the extremism and hatred spreading across our world today.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 21, 2019
Let me start by saying, that I am not Jewish, but this book is something that anyone and everyone could probably benefit from reading. This is a startling book, but startling in the kind of eye-opening way that we all should benefit from.
If you think that antisemitism is a problem only in the movies or in remote parts of the world, reading this book will really open your eyes. I was not aware of how far these roots have traveled and branched out. I, like many others, was aware of the atrocities of the Nazi regime and of the many years of persecution that the Jewish culture suffered before those events, but reading this book made me see that it is an unfortunate theme that not only continues, but is once more on the rise.
Not only is this an important book, but a fascinating one as well. If you are interested in problems that the world is facing right now, as well as those that history has encountered, then you might consider reading this book. I applaud the author for having the courage and conviction to write this honest account. Fantastic.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
If you think that antisemitism is a problem only in the movies or in remote parts of the world, reading this book will really open your eyes. I was not aware of how far these roots have traveled and branched out. I, like many others, was aware of the atrocities of the Nazi regime and of the many years of persecution that the Jewish culture suffered before those events, but reading this book made me see that it is an unfortunate theme that not only continues, but is once more on the rise.
Not only is this an important book, but a fascinating one as well. If you are interested in problems that the world is facing right now, as well as those that history has encountered, then you might consider reading this book. I applaud the author for having the courage and conviction to write this honest account. Fantastic.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2019
Rabbi Evan Moffic, the author of “First the Jews: Combating the World’s Longest-Running Hate Campaign”, is the rabbi of a Reform temple in the town I live. I didn’t know him til I received his book, but the community he writes about is one I know well. But I don’t think his book is aimed at me or my fellow Jews, other than to reassure us that someone is writing about the anti-Semitism that is in the world...and has been since Christianity was developed.
Moffic’s book was written in the wake of Charlottesville and the shooting at The Tree of Life synagogue last fall. He writes about the influences that brought about both events and traces the why’s and results of anti-Semitism. His writing is good and he shares his book with inserts written by other, non-Jewish clergy. Everyone writes in positive tones, but I ended the book a bit discouraged about the state of our society. Not Rabbi Moffic’s fault, at all; guess I’m just in a bad mood. I can recommend the Rabbi’s book, especially for non-Jewish readers.
Moffic’s book was written in the wake of Charlottesville and the shooting at The Tree of Life synagogue last fall. He writes about the influences that brought about both events and traces the why’s and results of anti-Semitism. His writing is good and he shares his book with inserts written by other, non-Jewish clergy. Everyone writes in positive tones, but I ended the book a bit discouraged about the state of our society. Not Rabbi Moffic’s fault, at all; guess I’m just in a bad mood. I can recommend the Rabbi’s book, especially for non-Jewish readers.
June 12, 2019
Anti-semitism is on the rise. On the left and the right. Sadly. Both sides seem to think their side is immune. It is not as recent events at pride parades exhibit. This book does a good job of outlining the history of anti-semitism, from its earliest days. Rabbi Lord Sacks calls anti-semitism the canary in the coal mine. This book talks about the roots of Christian anti-semitism as Christianity grew across Europe. It talks about Islamist anti-semitism and how to combat it. And it talks about how there is new anti-semitism repeating ancient motifs and myths. This book is a must read. And I am proud to sponsor the author for a book discussion group later in July.
March 29, 2019
This could have been really useful. It does have useful bits but very few.
My biggest problem is that the author seems to see (I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt) anti-Semitism EVERYWHERE. If you disagree with the State of Israel's policies in regards to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, you're anti-Semitic. The Gospels are anti-Semitic. Apparently, Jesus, a practicing Jew himself, was Anti-Semitic. The author seems to see Anti-Semitism in everything and everyone who doesn't agree with his view of things as he sees them.
He makes a charge of anti-Semitism, provides examples but then doesn't seem to really back it up or provide a lot of evidence. I'd pull examples but I'd just be quoting the whole book.
Anti-Semitism does exist and it's had a resurgence in the last decade. That's a problem. But labeling everything and everyone anti-Semitic weakens the power of the term and makes hate and ignorance cheap and easy to ignore. True hatred must be fought but it also must be correctly identified and accurately called out. True dialogue and discussion gets you further than name calling and shouting.
I hope the author is open to rewriting this book. (I know it's already been published.) It's an important topic and needs to be dealt with. However, his current work leaves much to be desired. Start with an actual definition of anti-Semitism and work from there, then history. Really study Christan theology especially when it comes to the Gospels and Jesus, understanding that when talking about Jews it's not anti-Semitism but an understanding of salvation history. I heavily suggest Catholic sources. Pray. Write. Edit. Let others read and critique.
My biggest problem is that the author seems to see (I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt) anti-Semitism EVERYWHERE. If you disagree with the State of Israel's policies in regards to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, you're anti-Semitic. The Gospels are anti-Semitic. Apparently, Jesus, a practicing Jew himself, was Anti-Semitic. The author seems to see Anti-Semitism in everything and everyone who doesn't agree with his view of things as he sees them.
He makes a charge of anti-Semitism, provides examples but then doesn't seem to really back it up or provide a lot of evidence. I'd pull examples but I'd just be quoting the whole book.
Anti-Semitism does exist and it's had a resurgence in the last decade. That's a problem. But labeling everything and everyone anti-Semitic weakens the power of the term and makes hate and ignorance cheap and easy to ignore. True hatred must be fought but it also must be correctly identified and accurately called out. True dialogue and discussion gets you further than name calling and shouting.
I hope the author is open to rewriting this book. (I know it's already been published.) It's an important topic and needs to be dealt with. However, his current work leaves much to be desired. Start with an actual definition of anti-Semitism and work from there, then history. Really study Christan theology especially when it comes to the Gospels and Jesus, understanding that when talking about Jews it's not anti-Semitism but an understanding of salvation history. I heavily suggest Catholic sources. Pray. Write. Edit. Let others read and critique.
February 6, 2020
If my Sunday School class had not selected this book for weekly coverage as our lesson plan, I would never have heard of it, much less read it. However, I am grateful for the opportunity. It is an enjoyable, fast read, and contains much that I did not know but should have. Overall, it is very thought-provoking, full of topics for class discussion. I consider it one of our better recent choices.
February 7, 2020
Rabbi Moffic's book provides a comprehensive history of anti-Semitism. It is well-researched and informative. Though I don't always agree with Moffic, I do have a better understanding of the long history of persecution that the Jews have endured. Our Methodist Sunday school class read this, and we all agreed that it was a worthwhile read.
November 26, 2019
Unfortunately the people who need to read this won't, and many of the people who do read it are the subject of the book. Excellent overview of antisemitism at its earliest roots in biblical times and how these distortions of the Jewish people persist into 2019.
April 8, 2019
a necessary compilation and commentary of the forms of anti-semitism, written by a Reform rabbi. I knew some of it, but gained a deeper knowledge. The first and last chapters were the most illuminating to me, one illuminating the rise of anti-semitism on the left, and the last on the history of Islamic anti-semitism.
March 10, 2019
While I was reading this a debate broke out over the comments and tweets of Representative Ilhan Omar. Many considered them to be anti-Semitic while others came to her defense. Against this backdrop, along with the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia and the shootings at a Pittsburgh synagogue, Rabbi Moffic provides a timely and useful book about anti-Semitism. It deserves a wide reading.
The book is readable, insightful and thought provoking. Moffic shares the history and development of anti-Semitism and the different ways the hateful idea manifests itself. This includes looking at the long history of anti-Semitism in Christianity. Moffic describes the depiction of Jews in the New Testament, particularly Matthew and John and how they were used to foster hatred towards Jews. For some Christians this may be difficult to read, but it is important to understand this blemish on too much of Christian history. Similarly it is important to understand the anti-Semitic attitudes expressed by church leaders over the centuries, including important figures such as Martin Luther.
One chapter is an excellent analysis of the alt-right movement and its inherent racism and anti-Semitism. Another traces the relationship of Islam to Judaism and the unfortunate rise of anti-Semitism in Islam.
My one critique is that Moffic seems unwilling to acknowledge the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. Describing an analysis of a story of the people of Israel preparing to enter Canaan. Moffic, writes, “strong people do not need high walls,” (p. 68) a sentiment with which I agree. It would be nice to see Moffit apply this to his descriptions of modern Israel. I’ve been to the West Bank and stood next to the Separation - Security Wall or whatever one wants to call it. It’s a high, ugly wall. I’ve seen the land taken by settlers and the demolished remains of Palestinian homes. I also met Jewish folks who were working hard to change their government’s policies, hoping to place them more in line with their understanding of the teachings of the law and the prophets. In this context it was hopeful to see Jews and Palestinians working together to find ways to live with each other in peace.
The book is readable, insightful and thought provoking. Moffic shares the history and development of anti-Semitism and the different ways the hateful idea manifests itself. This includes looking at the long history of anti-Semitism in Christianity. Moffic describes the depiction of Jews in the New Testament, particularly Matthew and John and how they were used to foster hatred towards Jews. For some Christians this may be difficult to read, but it is important to understand this blemish on too much of Christian history. Similarly it is important to understand the anti-Semitic attitudes expressed by church leaders over the centuries, including important figures such as Martin Luther.
One chapter is an excellent analysis of the alt-right movement and its inherent racism and anti-Semitism. Another traces the relationship of Islam to Judaism and the unfortunate rise of anti-Semitism in Islam.
My one critique is that Moffic seems unwilling to acknowledge the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. Describing an analysis of a story of the people of Israel preparing to enter Canaan. Moffic, writes, “strong people do not need high walls,” (p. 68) a sentiment with which I agree. It would be nice to see Moffit apply this to his descriptions of modern Israel. I’ve been to the West Bank and stood next to the Separation - Security Wall or whatever one wants to call it. It’s a high, ugly wall. I’ve seen the land taken by settlers and the demolished remains of Palestinian homes. I also met Jewish folks who were working hard to change their government’s policies, hoping to place them more in line with their understanding of the teachings of the law and the prophets. In this context it was hopeful to see Jews and Palestinians working together to find ways to live with each other in peace.
March 23, 2019
FIRST THE JEWS
COMBATING THE WORLD’S LONGEST-RUNNING HATE CAMPAIGN
BY RABBI EVAN MOFFIC
ABINGDON PRESS
CHRISTIAN , RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
PUB DATE 15 JAN 2019
I am reviewing a copy of First the Jews through Abington Press and Netgalley:
Anti-semitism is certainly not something new, this hostility towards the Jewish people has been going on for centuries in this book Rabbi Evan Moffic, believes the answer to why Anti-Semitism, the world’s longest lasting and most persistent hatred continues to this day can be broken up into five rationale’s people most often use. 1.Jews are different. 2. Jews killed Jesus. 3.Jews are greedy. 4. Jews are an inferior race holding back scientific development and 5. Jews are western imperialists. These rationales are just that, excuses people find to hate someone, or as the case maybe an entire religion.
To this day we are hearing of defaced synagogues and death threats of community leaders throughout the world. We sera rise in Anti-Semitism from parts of the right side of the political spectrum with a different kind of Anti-Semitism from some on the left.
In this book Rabbi Evan Moffic focuses on the events following 9.11 that shows new waves of discrimination against Jewish communities!
I found the arguments made in this book both compelling and thought provoking!
I give First the Jews four out of five stars!
COMBATING THE WORLD’S LONGEST-RUNNING HATE CAMPAIGN
BY RABBI EVAN MOFFIC
ABINGDON PRESS
CHRISTIAN , RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
PUB DATE 15 JAN 2019
I am reviewing a copy of First the Jews through Abington Press and Netgalley:
Anti-semitism is certainly not something new, this hostility towards the Jewish people has been going on for centuries in this book Rabbi Evan Moffic, believes the answer to why Anti-Semitism, the world’s longest lasting and most persistent hatred continues to this day can be broken up into five rationale’s people most often use. 1.Jews are different. 2. Jews killed Jesus. 3.Jews are greedy. 4. Jews are an inferior race holding back scientific development and 5. Jews are western imperialists. These rationales are just that, excuses people find to hate someone, or as the case maybe an entire religion.
To this day we are hearing of defaced synagogues and death threats of community leaders throughout the world. We sera rise in Anti-Semitism from parts of the right side of the political spectrum with a different kind of Anti-Semitism from some on the left.
In this book Rabbi Evan Moffic focuses on the events following 9.11 that shows new waves of discrimination against Jewish communities!
I found the arguments made in this book both compelling and thought provoking!
I give First the Jews four out of five stars!
February 7, 2019
In many ways, this book reads more like a general textbook than a general public type of book. That’s not to say it’s difficult to read, because it is not; or that it's not interesting enough, because it is. Rabbi Evan Moffic looks at different types of anti-Semitism, including some not so obvious types, and at the roots and history of anti-Semitism. He does not play victim, nor does he show any prejudice against other religions, including no negativity about interfaith marriages. I found his thoughts about Jesus and his life to be compelling, and will have to read his book What Every Christian Needs to Know about the Jewishness of Jesus: A New Way of Seeing the Most Influential Rabbi in History. This book on anti-Semitism I would recommend to those who don’t know that much about the topic, and for those who are trying to teach others about the topic.
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)
September 11, 2020
A must read guide to the history and reality of anti-semitism. This book feels so relevant in the present day climate.
February 19, 2023
Accessible read with a lot of good information.
March 23, 2019
A good primer on the history of anti-semitism from biblical times to today. I want to read Debra Lipstat(sic) on the same subject, just not right after this one.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews