In a recent, well-publicized presentation at Yeshiva University, the conservative pundit Ben Shapiro - who identifies as modern-Orthodox - spoke to what was apparently a receptive audience advocating politically conservative views. Among the statements that he was quoted as making was:
“Torah Judaism…does not support social justice.†The Torah “explicitly†states that “poor people should not be preferred over rich people.â€
I have already seen some responses that point out the Torah obligation of charity. I would have pointed out that people who study Navi have probably come across such statements as Isaiah 58 (read on Yom Kippur).
I cannot image that many day schools promulgate Ben Shapiro's message, but what are day schools doing to make sure that our students understand that Torah Judaism does obligate us to care and be concerned for those less fortunate than ourselves?
Alyssa
