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Articles by Warren Goldstein
Bondi was a Jihadist attack - not an isolated hate crime
What happened in Sydney is not “ordinary” antisemitism What happened in Sydney is not “ordinary” antisemitism. It is part of global jihad. And until the West recognizes that, it faces mortal peril. The mass murder terror attack in Sydney, Australia was not simply an antisemitic incident that got out of control. It was a professional military operation conducted as part of the global jihadist war being waged on every continent.
Reaching Across the Gap
Kesher Yehudi, an organization that builds friendships between religious and secular Jews around Israel, hosted a Simchat Torah event for Nova Survivors and hostage families. Courtesy of Kesher Yehudi Michal Ohana, originally from Jerusalem and Mevaseret Tzion, attended the Nova Festival on October 7. Unlike her friends who were murdered and taken hostage, Michal is lucky. She survived hiding under an IDF tank for seven hours while bleeding from a bullet wound in her leg.
Worldwide Shabbat Project Coming to San Diego Nov. 14-17
By Rabbi Warren Goldstein Chief Rabbi, South Africa Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Dear Shabbat San Diego Family, As passionate community members we’ve done so much to spread the vision of the Shabbat Project, and know better than anybody how this year’s project comes at a historic moment in time—as Israel bravely takes the fight to the forces of darkness, and diaspora Jewry contends with a turbulent world.
Welby & Francis: Protectors or Betrayers?
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Iran’s Existential Threat to Israel
The unprecedented fourth speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. Congress amidst innumerable standing ovations should not lull Israel into thinking that it can rely on a polarized America to save it from the existential threat that a nuclear Iran poses. If Israel does not destroy Iran’s production of nuclear weapons, no one else will. Israel has been here before. In 1981, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin faced a similar decision.
Iran’s existential threat to Israel
Menachem Begin knew that history has shown that no other nation will come to our rescue. The unprecedented fourth speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. Congress amidst innumerable standing ovations should not lull Israel into thinking that it can rely on a polarized America to save it from the existential threat that a nuclear Iran poses. If Israel does not destroy Iran’s production of nuclear weapons, no one else will. Israel has been here before.
Iran’s existential threat to Israel
The unprecedented fourth speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. Congress amidst innumerable standing ovations should not lull Israel into thinking that it can rely on a polarized America to save it from the existential threat that a nuclear Iran poses. If Israel does not destroy Iran’s production of nuclear weapons, no one else will. Israel has been here before. In 1981, Prime Minister Menachem Begin faced a similar decision.
A Jewish Prayer for the New Unity Government of South Africa
South Africa’s Chief Rabbi, Warren Goldstein, delivered the below remarks and prayer last week at an inauguration ceremony ushering in the country’s new government of national unity.
Searching for Meaning in a Post-Oct. 7 Pesach
Searching for Meaning in a Post-Oct. 7 Pesach [contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"] JNS.org – As the night sky of the Middle East lit up with a deadly barrage of drones and missiles being shot down on the night of April 13-14—halting Iran’s genocidal intent in its tracks—it was clear to all that this war has never been about Gaza or the Palestinian cause. There is something much bigger at play.
Searching for meaning in a post-Oct. 7 Pesach
As the night sky of the Middle East lit up with a deadly barrage of drones and missiles being shot down on the night of April 13-14—halting Iran’s genocidal intent in its tracks—it was clear to all that this war has never been about Gaza or the Palestinian cause. There is something much bigger at play. In this video, I explain how the Passover seder provides a frame of reference for understanding Iran’s recent attack, the Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct.
Searching for meaning in a post-Oct. 7 Pesach
As the night sky of the Middle East lit up with a deadly barrage of drones and missiles being shot down on the night of April 13-14—halting Iran’s genocidal intent in its tracks—it was clear to all that this war has never been about Gaza or the Palestinian cause. There is something much bigger at play. In this video, I explain how the Passover seder provides a frame of reference for understanding Iran’s recent attack, the Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct.
Joe Lieberman: Proud, vocal and committed Jew - The Jewish Star
Comparing Politician to Torah Posted Wednesday, April 3, 2024 12:00 am ‘Sabbath observance is a gift that has anchored, shaped and inspired my life.’” The words that come to me as I absorb with great sadness the sudden passing of Joseph Lieberman, of blessed memory, are from the verses describing his namesake, Joseph in ancient Egypt: How all who encountered him, from the top echelons of government to those imprisoned in its dungeons, could see that “G-d was with him; and everything he did,...
Senator Joseph Lieberman: a personal tribute
The words that come to me as I absorbed with great shock and sadness the sudden passing of Senator Joe Lieberman, of blessed memory are from the verses describing his namesake, Joseph in ancient Egypt - that all encountered him from the top echelons of government to those imprisoned in its dungeons - could see that “God was with him, and everything he did, God made succeed in his hand.” (Genesis 39:3).
OP-ED: Sen. Joseph Lieberman: A personal tribute - Crescent City Jewish News
By RABBI WARREN GOLDSTEIN (JNS.org) – The words that come to me as I absorb with great sadness the sudden passing of former Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman, of blessed memory, are from the verses describing his namesake, Joseph in ancient Egypt: How all who encountered him, from the top echelons of government to those imprisoned in its dungeons, could see that “God was with him, and everything he did, God made succeed in his hand.” (Genesis 39:3).
Sen. Joseph Lieberman: A personal tribute Original
(March 29, 2024 / JNS) The words that come to me as I absorb with great sadness the sudden passing of former Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman, of blessed memory, are from the verses describing his namesake, Joseph in ancient Egypt: How all who encountered him, from the top echelons of government to those imprisoned in its dungeons, could see that “God was with him, and everything he did, God made succeed in his hand.” (Genesis 39:3).
Sen. Joseph Lieberman: A personal tribute
The words that come to me as I absorb with great sadness the sudden passing of former Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman, of blessed memory, are from the verses describing his namesake, Joseph in ancient Egypt: How all who encountered him, from the top echelons of government to those imprisoned in its dungeons, could see that “God was with him, and everything he did, God made succeed in his hand.” (Genesis 39:3).
Creating a ‘Parallel Diplomatic Channel’ Between Israel and South Africa
JNS.org – As chief rabbi of South Africa, I undertook a recent diplomatic mission to Israel amidst the hostility of the South African government and a breakdown in communications between the two countries. I met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and other senior government officials, assuring them of the support of the Jewish community and millions of non-Jews in South Africa.
Creating a ‘parallel diplomatic channel’ between Israel and South Africa
Rabbi Warren Goldsteinis the chief rabbi of South Africa and the founder of the International Shabbat Project. ( JNS) As chief rabbi of South Africa, I undertook a recent diplomatic mission to Israel amidst the hostility of the South African government and a breakdown in communications between the two countries. I met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and other senior government officials, assuring them of the support of the Jewish community and millions of non-Jews in South Africa.
This isn’t 1938. We don’t beg not to be killed. - The Jewish Star
The International Court of Justice has delivered its interim judgment on the South African government’s “genocide” charge against Israel. Even this political body appointed by the UN General Assembly couldn’t bring itself to order Israel to accept a ceasefire in its war against Hamas. But we should not be grateful for that. The ICJ had no moral right to order Israel to cease its just war of self-defense in the first place. This is not 1938. It is 2024.
This is not 1938
Browse > Home / Featured Articles / This is not 1938 – J-Wire Read on for article The International Court of Justice has delivered its interim judgment on the South African government’s “genocide” charge against Israel. Even a political body appointed by the U.N. General Assembly whose members are mainly non-democratic states couldn’t bring itself to order Israel to accept a ceasefire in its war against Hamas. But we should not be grateful for that.
This Is Not 1938
JNS.org – The International Court of Justice has delivered its interim judgment on the South African government’s “genocide” charge against Israel. Even a political body appointed by the U.N. General Assembly whose members are mainly non-democratic states couldn’t bring itself to order Israel to accept a ceasefire in its war against Hamas. But we should not be grateful for that. The ICJ had no moral right to the power to order Israel to cease its just war of self-defense in the first place.
From Holocaust’s ashes
These… judges should have (expressed) the gratitude of the international community for the bravery and sacrifice of Israel’s young soldiers going door to door to defeat the forces of barbarism in the Middle East. This is not 1938. The Jewish people do not have to go on our knees to beg for the right to defend ourselves against those who seek to exterminate us.
This is not 1938
The International Court of Justice has delivered its interim judgment on the South African government’s “genocide” charge against Israel. Even a political body appointed by the United Nations General Assembly, whose members are mainly non-democratic states, couldn’t bring itself to order Israel to accept a ceasefire in its war against Hamas. But we should not be grateful for that. The ICJ had no moral right to the power to order Israel to cease its just war of self-defense in the first place.
Genocide Allegations Against Israel Endanger Jews Everywhere
By Rabbi Warren Goldstein The South African government’s application to the International Court of Justice on grotesquely false allegations of genocide against Israel needs to be seen for what it is: A defamatory lie that not only threatens the Jewish state, but stigmatizes and endangers Jews throughout the Diaspora. The genocide label paves the way for the discrimination, persecution, and ultimately, the murder of Jews.
Genocide allegations against Israel endanger Jews everywhere
The South African government’s application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on grotesquely false allegations of genocide against Israel needs to be seen for what it is: A defamatory lie that not only threatens the Jewish state, but stigmatizes and endangers Jews throughout the Diaspora. The genocide label paves the way for the discrimination, persecution, and ultimately, the murder of Jews. The stigmatization and eventual dehumanization of Jews is something we have seen before.
UN should be put on trial - opinion
The UN is imbued with the respect that it often does not deserve – and with the Israel case a prime example, its institutions have increasingly been threatening freedom and peace in the world. The United Nations and its institutions have a credibility they do not deserve, and have become a threat to freedom and democracy in the world. Israel’s case before the UN’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) should be used to expose this fact and begin the process of placing clear boundaries on the UN.
South African Chief Rabbi to Pope Francis: Repent for sins against Israel
In a widely reported conversation with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, chastised Israel’s war on Hamas saying it is “forbidden to respond to terror with terror". In comparing Israel’s just war of self-defense to the barbarism of Hamas, Pope Francis repeats the sins of Pope Pius the XII, from the Nazi era, of surreptitiously supporting the forces of evil who seek to annihilate the Jewish people.
The spiritual front of this war
In addition to the all-too-real—and critical—physical battle raging in Gaza for the safety and security of the Jewish state, there is a spiritual war going on. Hamas, a terror group that explicitly targets Jews for being Jewish, launched this war on Shabbat and Simchat Torah. They marched into Jewish homes on this holy day and massacred Jewish families. Let’s be clear. This is not just about our physical presence or the borders of our state. This was not about political or military gain.
To Jewish women everywhere, it is time to pray - opinion
This is a spiritual war against those who seek to destroy Israel, not because of its borders, but because of what it stands for as the world’s only Jewish state. At this time of harrowing danger, let us harness the spiritual power of lighting Shabbat candles to pray for Israel. For generations, Jewish women have prayed for their children and families at candle lighting.
Bringing Sundays to Israel can protect Shabbat
Jerusalem Post editor-in-chief Avi Mayer’s recent column about extending the weekend in Israel to include Sunday – harnessing this highly influential, widely respected and far-reaching publication to make the case for this vital issue – is timely and important.
Bringing Sundays to Israel can protect Shabbat - opinion
Jerusalem Post editor-in-chief Avi Mayer’s recent column about extending the weekend in Israel to include Sunday – harnessing this highly influential, widely respected and far-reaching publication to make the case for this vital issue – is timely and important.
A Word of Torah: A Just World | Detroit Jewish News
A world without justice is a world in which human beings have no rights, in which their dignity, safety and property are constantly under threat.
A Word of Torah: How To Become Great | Detroit Jewish News
In this week’s parshah, Beshalach, we encounter one of the most inspiring and illuminating moments in Jewish history — the splitting of the Sea of Reeds. One of the secrets of human greatness is knowing where to direct our limited energy and time in order to make an imprint on the world and transform ourselves. Because our resources are finite, we need to think strategically; we need to focus our attention on the things that have maximum impact.
Heal Israel's divisions by giving Shabbat, Sunday off for everyone
As the members of the Knesset begin their term of office and a new government is established, there is a historic opportunity to do something real to heal the divisions within Israeli society. At the same time, they can restore to its pride of place something that is at the very heart of the Jewish people – Shabbat. This is a heartfelt plea to the new Knesset to seize a historic opportunity to save Jewish unity and Shabbat, which have tragically been at odds with each other.
A Word of Torah: The Farmer and Telling the Story of the Jewish People
In fact, this narrative of the farmer extends further — connecting his own individual experience to a national narrative, situating his own farming efforts within the context of the Jewish people and land of Israel as a whole. Storytelling is what makes us human. Interpreting events and constructing narratives about what happens to us in our lives is something we all do.
Judaism without God? God forbid, says South Africa’s chief rabbi
By Rabbi Warren Goldstein (JTA) — In a recent Jewish Telegraphic Agency column, Andrew Silow-Carroll identified a trend in American Jewry, which he described as “fictionalism.” In the article, he defines it as “pretending to follow a set of beliefs in order to reap the benefits of a set of actions” and cites the philosophy professor Scott Hershovitz, who explains that he fasts on Yom Kippur and observes Passover even though he doesn’t believe in God.
Judaism without God? God forbid, says South Africa’s chief rabbi
In a recent Jewish Telegraphic Agency column, Andrew Silow-Carroll identified a trend in American Jewry, which he described as “fictionalism.” In the article, he defines it as “pretending to follow a set of beliefs in order to reap the benefits of a set of actions” and cites the philosophy professor Scott Hershovitz, who explains that he fasts on Yom Kippur and observes Passover even though he doesn’t believe in God. “It’s just what we Jews do,” Hershovitz explains.
Opinion: Judaism Without God? God Forbid. — Detroit Jewish News
“Denial of God’s existence or the truth of the Torah’s narrative is utterly incompatible with Judaism itself.” In a recent Jewish Telegraphic Agency column, Andrew Silow-Carroll identified a trend in American Jewry, which he described as “fictionalism.” In the article, he defines it as “pretending to follow a set of beliefs in order to reap the benefits of a set of actions” and cites the philosophy professor Scott Hershovitz, who explains that he fasts on Yom Kippur and observes Passover even...
Judaism Without God? God Forbid
A JTA essay on "fictionalism" describes a worldview incapable of surviving more than a few generations.
Judaism without God? God forbid, says South Africa’s chief rabbi
(JTA) — In a recent Jewish Telegraphic Agency column, Andrew Silow-Carroll identified a trend in American Jewry, which he described as “fictionalism.” In the article, he defines it as “pretending to follow a set of beliefs in order to reap the benefits of a set of actions” and cites the philosophy professor Scott Hershovitz, who explains that he fasts on Yom Kippur and observes Passover even though he doesn’t believe in God. “It’s just what we Jews do,” Hershovitz explains.
Anti-Israel delegitimization effort is a national security issue
The announcement this week of the launch of the Voices of Israel initiative by Israel’s Foreign Ministry contains a vital public acknowledgment, via official government policy, that the global delegitimization campaign directed against Israel is, in fact, a “national security issue.” This is a paradigm shift from simply labeling it a political or diplomatic threat. A “national security issue” means it is an existential threat in the same way as the military threats are.
A Word of Torah: How Do We Find Joy in the Process? — Detroit Jewish News
We need to savor each moment, each accomplishment, each step along our life’s journey. A waiter remembers every detail of an order but forgets those details as soon as the plates hit the table. Inspired by this thought experiment, German psychologist Bluma Wulfovna Zeigarnik conducted a series of laboratory tests to demonstrate that people have a better recollection of the puzzles they are prevented from finishing than those they have completed.
A Word of Torah: How to Avoid Life’s Pitfalls — Detroit Jewish News
An unquenchable desire for the things that we don’t have can prevent us from enjoying and appreciating the things we do have. Self-destructive behavior has manifested itself throughout history, and the temptation to fall into its trap is part of the human condition. The Gemara (Sotah 9a and b) documents various examples of this self-destructive behavior. The Gemara begins with a general discussion on adultery, and it’s a fitting place to start.
A Word of Torah: How Structure Can Change Your Life — Detroit Jewish News
To live as a Jew is to embed righteousness into the routines of ordinary life. This week’s parshah starts Bamidbar, the fourth of the five books of the Torah. As its name indicates — Bamidbar means “in the desert” — this book describes the lives of the Jewish people during their 40 years in the desert. The Jews at this point had received the Torah but had yet to reach the Land of Israel, and they already had strict instructions for how they were meant to behave.
A Word of Torah: The Mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem — Detroit Jewish News
Kiddush Hashem is about bringing the world closer to this vision of a world filled with God’s light and love and values, saturated with the closeness of His presence. This week’s Torah portion, Emor, formulates this calling as a specific mitzvah: “…do not desecrate My holy name. And I shall be sanctified in the midst of the children of Israel. I am Hashem who sanctifies you.” (Vayikra 22:33) This is known as the mitzvah of kiddush Hashem — sanctifying God’s name. How do we go about it?
A Word of Torah: Is Self-Interest Incompatible with Altruism? — Detroit Jewish News
Life is a journey toward holiness, a journey toward expanding the self and achieving the greatness that God knows we are capable of. From the moment of our birth, we clamor for our wants and needs, and we spend the rest of our lives pursuing them. Clearly, God has hard-wired self-interest deep into the human psyche, so it’s certainly not something we view as necessarily evil. On the contrary, halachah — Jewish law — explicitly reflects this.
It’s time to rethink the Zionist dream - opinion
The recent murderous attacks in Tel Aviv, Beersheba and Bnei Brak were not acts of terrorism designed to achieve a specific political objective. These attacks had no other objective than to murder Jews. The jubilant celebrations in the streets of Gaza made it clear that this objective had been achieved.
A Word of Torah: Pesach — In Every Generation — Detroit Jewish News
The pesach seder is a call to Jewish families for how to live our lives and about making time and space for one another and what it means to be a Jew. In 1947, David Ben Gurion famously said at the United Nations: “Three hundred years ago a ship called the Mayflower left for the new world … Is there a single Englishman who knows the exact date and hour of the Mayflower’s launch … do they know how many people were in the boat? Their names? What they wore? What they ate?
A Word of Torah: Why Human Beings Were Created Last — Detroit Jewish News
God created everything for human beings, in order that human beings would serve Him. That is the ultimate purpose of the world. The most current parshot, Tazria and Metzora, begin with a discussion of the laws of childbirth and a bris, key milestones of life, and the laws regarding purity and impurity, what we call tum’ah and taharah, of people.
A Word of Torah: Spiritual Eating — Detroit Jewish News
There are two primary components to the human being — the physical and the spiritual. These two components are naturally in conflict with one another, and the fact that they co-exist in a single organism is itself something wondrous. Keeping kosher is a vital part of Jewish life. The word “kosher” comes from the Hebrew word kasher, meaning “fit” or “proper.” And, indeed, the term itself has even entered the general vernacular.
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