14 Comments
User's avatar
James Ron's avatar

Daniel,

I understand the parallel you are making, but I wonder whether it's a stretch to compare faking the "no bread on Passover" and Shabbos goy rules with a state execution. Yes, they use some of the same logic; no, they are not in the same universe.

I don't know what you did in your life that you feel so much guilt for, but - in my view - it's important to keep a sense of proportion and to use parallels and metaphors when appropriate. Otherwise, they lose their impact.

As a reader who doesn't know the full story, I'm confused. This is why I am sharing my reactions. I very much respect your creative efforts to deal with the past and take ownership.

Daniel Klein's avatar

Have you ever done something you knew was wrong and found a way to justify it?

James Ron's avatar

Yes, of course. Things I am deeply ashamed of, including actions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I am writing about that myself; like you, I have a lot of regret and shame over my role there as a young person. But I also struggle not to take on more blame and shame than is warranted. When one feels guilty, one is tempted to take on much blame. Over time, however, I have struggled to find a balance. Not easy.

I don't mean to minimize what you are trying to process. Just wondering whether you are too hard on yourself.

Daniel Klein's avatar

This isn't written from guilt or shame. It's a map from the inside, written from the outside.

Danny Schwartz's avatar

Oh Daniel, you are so pained by it all. So am I. The noose to me has always signified the devils act, the Shoah, the Nazi's. Can we truly be doing this? It's such a chilul Hashem. But yes, we think we can cheat Hashem. I do't think so.

The Way We Are's avatar

We are all doing it. Jews and not Jews. We have to face this.

Daniel Klein's avatar

You can’t cheat karma, the universe responds to truth and truth alone. Sending you strength.

KRedbeard's avatar

Looking forward to Palestinian military groups capturing the occupiers specifically for leverage against this.

At this point as someone who's pro Palestine I've been blackpilled by israel's genocidal barbarism to the point of saying that Palestinians should adopt a "two eyes for an eye, a pool of blood for every drop of blood" mentality.

The fact that israel is on the precipice of starting a regional war with or without trump only makes thing look grimmer for israel imo

Daniel Klein's avatar

Timely comment, grimmer indeed.

Deny Staggs's avatar

How far will this need to go?

Daniel Klein's avatar

It used to be called the Final Solution, it’s now called the Master Plan, but God is the best planner of them all.

Jeremiah's avatar

Whoa....

Arturo 🏳️‍🌈's avatar

No way around.

One button for the executioner.

One button for the lawmakers.

One button for 'israeli' citizens.

This is not optional.