{"id":61055,"date":"2021-05-06T19:09:18","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T01:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/?p=61055"},"modified":"2021-05-06T19:09:18","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T01:09:18","slug":"off-the-pulpit-self-criticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crescentcityjewishnews.com\/blog\/off-the-pulpit-self-criticism\/","title":{"rendered":"Off the Pulpit: Self-criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"

By RABBI DAVID WOLPE<\/p>\n

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Why is it so wrenching to criticize one\u2019s own? In part because you do not only challenge beliefs, you also lose allies and friends. It is hurtful to those with whom you share community to be the one who rebukes.<\/p>\n

Knowing this makes the Torah that much more powerful and impressive. Here is scripture that is relentless in its criticism of the very people to whom it is addressed. The prophets, overflowing with love of Israel, nonetheless lambast them for their moral flaws. There is plenty of criticism of other nations, of course; but we take it that much more seriously from a tradition that is ready to be honest and direct at home as well.<\/p>\n

(Rabbi David Wolpe is the senior rabbi of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles.)<\/p>\n

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