Last week Rabbi Wein (that's the "natural brilliance" bit) gave a lecture on living as a Jew in a non-Jewish environment (see our note by Bill Gerber here). Rabbi Paul Bloom fed notes on the same lecture to AI (that's "artificial intelligence" for the uninitiated) and asked it to turn them into an essay. This is what it came up with. For the record, Paul has checked the text before sending it to us.
Jewish Responses to Dominant Empires: A Historical and Philosophical Perspective
Throughout history, the Jewish people
have lived under the rule of major empires—Assyrian, Babylonian, Greek, Roman,
and Byzantine Christian civilizations. Each era presented unique challenges,
prompting Jews to develop different responses to the dominant cultures
surrounding them. Broadly speaking, Jewish reactions to these ruling powers
have fallen into three main categories: rejection, accommodation, and
assimilation.
Three Approaches to Empire
1. Rejection: Standing
Firm in Torah
One group within Jewish society
consistently rejected the values and culture of the dominant empire, holding
steadfast to Torah and Jewish traditions. This stance was easier to maintain
when the ruling empire had little to offer in terms of intellectual or material
advancement. When the surrounding culture was unappealing, resistance to
assimilation came naturally.
2. Accommodation:
Balancing Jewish and Non-Jewish Culture
A second approach saw Jews selectively
incorporating aspects of the dominant culture while maintaining their Jewish
identity. This response was particularly evident under Greek rule, where
Hellenistic culture had much to offer in philosophy, art, and governance. Some
Jews found ways to integrate elements of Greek thought while preserving their
Jewish beliefs and practices. This middle ground allowed for coexistence but
carried the risk of gradual assimilation.
3. Assimilation:
Abandoning Jewish Identity
The third response involved complete
assimilation—viewing the ruling empire’s culture as superior and replacing
Jewish traditions with those of the majority. This approach has been seen at
various points in Jewish history, where segments of the Jewish community
embraced foreign philosophies or lifestyles at the expense of their own
heritage.
The Debate Over Cultural
Influence
Jewish history is filled with debates
over how much external influence should be allowed. During the early Middle
Ages, Aristotelian philosophy became a major force in Jewish thought.
Maimonides (Rambam) integrated Aristotelian principles into his theological and
philosophical works, arguing that reason and Torah could coexist. However, not
all Jewish scholars agreed with this approach.
This debate extended into modern times.
The Reform movement, for example, promoted the idea that Jews should adopt the
culture of the majority while maintaining a redefined version of Jewish
identity. In contrast, figures like Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch sought to find
a balance, encouraging Jews to engage with German culture while remaining
firmly committed to Torah values. Even Rabbi Joseph Hertz, the Chief Rabbi of
the British Empire, quoted non-Jewish scholars to demonstrate the wisdom found
outside Jewish sources—yet he remained deeply rooted in Jewish tradition.
The Danger of an Attractive
Culture
Throughout Jewish history, cultural
assimilation has been most dangerous when the surrounding culture is
attractive. In Eastern Europe, where conditions were harsh and non-Jewish
society often unappealing, Jews found it easier to maintain their distinct identity.
However, in Western Europe and America, where the dominant culture offered
social and economic opportunities, assimilation became a real threat.
One example of this struggle can be seen
in the development of Yiddish theater and literature. These cultural
expressions allowed Jews to engage with modern artistic forms while preserving
Jewish values. However, in other cases, exposure to mainstream culture led to a
dilution of Jewish identity.
The Modern Challenge:
Cultural Pressures and Antisemitism
Today, Jews continue to face difficult
choices regarding their relationship with majority cultures. The issue of
abortion, for instance, serves as a flagship example of how external ideologies
can influence Jewish thought and practice. While Jewish law approaches the
issue with nuance, modern political and social movements often push extreme
positions that do not align with traditional Jewish perspectives.
Another contemporary example is the
presence of antisemitism on university campuses. Many Jews seek to integrate
into mainstream academic and social environments, only to find that they are
not fully accepted. The hostility faced by Jewish students raises an important
question: If segments of society continue to reject Jewish identity, why should
Jews work so hard to blend in?
Conclusion: Navigating the
Future
The Jewish people have always faced
difficult decisions regarding their engagement with external cultures. Whether
resisting, accommodating, or assimilating, each generation has had to weigh the
benefits and dangers of their surroundings. The lessons of history suggest that
when Jews remain firmly rooted in their traditions while engaging selectively
with the outside world, they are best positioned to thrive. The challenge of
maintaining a strong Jewish identity in an attractive but often hostile culture
remains as relevant today as it was in the days of ancient empires.
This essay shows what Artificial Intelligence is capable of, when used as a tool in the hands of a responsible rabbi who checks it out. Thanks, Paul, for sharing with with us.
