Recent discussions in The Jewish Link by Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, “Rabbi Weider’s Dismissal of Rav Mischel’s Torah-Based Advocacy Of Expulsion: A Rabinic Joke?” (March 13, 2025) and Rabbi Elie Mischel’s “A Distortion of Torah?” (March 13, 2025), in response to Rabbi Jeremy Wieder’s response “On Torah Values” (March 6, 2025) to Elie Mischel’s article, “When Did Torah Values Become Extreme?” (Feb. 27, 2025), have sparked intense debate around the media labeling certain Israeli politicians as “far-right” or “extremist.” The assertion made in the initial article that applying these labels is equivalent to
rejecting Torah values fundamentally misrepresents both Torah values and contemporary political realities. True Torah values emphasize servitude to Hashem, observance of His Torah and commandments, and striving for better relations between all people whenever possible, including peace, justice, compassion, humility and adherence to structured, lawful governance. The use of violence and war is never seen as optimal, a “l’chatchila” option, except in the case of the Seven Nations and Amalek, neither of which is applicable today on a d’oraisa level. Politicians labeled “far-right” earn this designation not because they adhere to Torah principles but because their actions and rhetoric explicitly violate core Jewish ethical teachings and normative political ideologies.
The original article and subsequent letters defending it from Rabbi Jeremy Wieder’s criticism employ classic debating tactics, such as the use of misdirection, strawman arguments, mockery and exaggerated emotional appeals to distract from substantive Halachic arguments. Their ultimate aim is to normalize extreme positions, suggesting these stances are not only acceptable but mitzvos m’d’oraisa (Torah commandments). Both writers ultimately seek to normalize extreme positions, avoiding meaningful Halachic discourse and dismissing opposing views without addressing their substantive points.
Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, zt”l, in “Vision and Leadership” and his famous shiur on Parshas Beha’aloscha, outlined the ideals of Jewish leadership as defined by humility, moral courage, communal responsibility and commitment to justice. Leaders who embody these traits foster adherence to Torah and Halacha, unity, ethical behavior and integrity. Precisely the opposite of politicians who encourage division and violence and seek to glorify themselves. The late chief rabbi of the United Kingdom, Rav Lord Jonathan Sacks, zt”l, similarly emphasized that genuine leadership prioritizes peace and communal welfare, even amid difficult circumstances.
Ultimately, the debate is not about labeling Torah values as extreme. It is about accurately identifying and challenging ideologies and actions that starkly oppose authentic Halacha and Jewish ethics. Misrepresenting critiques as attacks on Torah values dangerously distorts true Jewish teachings, undermines communal integrity and compromises Israel’s ethical and moral foundations.
