Do American Jews Still View Baruch Goldstein as a Saint?

The question of whether many American Jews view Baruch Goldstein as a saint is one that warrants a clear and factual response. It is important to understand the historical context and the prevailing views within American Jewish communities to address this topic appropriately.

Historical Context and Baruch Goldstein's Actions

The tragic event in which Baruch Goldstein massacred over 29 Muslim worshippers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron in 1994 is one of the most infamous acts in modern history. Goldstein, a former U.S. resident and American citizen, crossed the border to visit the site and, in a rage, entered the prayer area, shooting and killing those present. The horrific nature of his act is beyond question; it remains a stark illustration of violence and disregard for human life.

Views within American Jewish Communities

It is essential to note that the views within the American Jewish community are overwhelmingly negative towards Baruch Goldstein. The vast majority of American Jews do not view him as a saint. Instead, he is widely regarded as a deranged and irrational individual whose actions are in no way laudatory or worthy of veneration.

American Jews’ General Perspective:

Empirical observations and numerous anecdotal accounts suggest that almost all American Jews view Baruch Goldstein as a murderer. The idea that he was anything more than a mentally unstable individual is generally dismissed. The American Jewish community, comprising individuals with diverse backgrounds and beliefs, is united in its condemnation of Goldstein’s actions. Even those who might not align with the mainstream viewpoint would find it difficult to support such actions as saintly.

Extremist Views:

While the overwhelming majority of American Jews reject the notion of considering Baruch Goldstein a saint, there have been instances where extremist individuals or groups have attempted to portray him in a positive light. However, these views are not shared by mainstream Jewish communities and are widely condemned. Such individuals or groups represent a small, extreme minority, and their views are far from reflective of the broader Jewish community.

Judaism and Concepts of Sainthood

It is crucial to clarify that Judaism does not have the concept of sainthood as it is understood in some other religions. The idea of sanctity or holiness within Judaism is often associated with piety, Torah study, and adherence to Jewish law (Halacha). No individual in Jewish history has been officially recognized as a saint in the Christian sense, nor is there a similar concept within Jewish tradition.

Mainstream Jewish Views:

The overwhelming consensus among the vast majority of American Jewish individuals is that Baruch Goldstein was a psychopath who committed a heinous act. There is a strong, unifying sentiment that his actions are in no way commendable or worthy of being looked upon as saintly. This viewpoint is consistently reflected in both religious and secular circles within the American Jewish community.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the view of Baruch Goldstein as a saint is far from the reality of the situation. The overwhelming majority of American Jews, including leaders and laypeople alike, view him as a mass murderer and do not consider him worthy of such a title. While fringe elements might entertain the notion, these views are not representative of the broader Jewish community in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any American Jews who view Baruch Goldstein as a saint?

A: While there may be a small minority of individuals who harbor sympathetic views towards Goldstein, they are a distinct and extreme minority. The vast majority of American Jews oppose the notion of Goldstein being considered a saint and view him as a murderer.

Q: Does Judaism recognize the concept of saints?

A: No, Judaism does not have a concept of saints comparable to those found in Christianity. Veneration and worship within Judaism are focused on God and adherence to Halachic practice rather than the recognition or sanctification of human beings.

Q: Why do some extremist groups praise Baruch Goldstein?

A: Extremist groups sometimes attempt to justify or glorify Goldstein's actions, but such views are not shared by the mainstream Jewish community. These groups represent a fringe element and their views are widely condemned by both religious and secular leaders in the American Jewish community.