A STUDY GUIDE A PASSOVER SUPPLEMENT Jewish Teachings To Enhance the About Truth and For freedom, For justice, Conversation at Justice there must be justice there must be truth Your Seder Table Prepared by Developed by Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn, Jews United for Democracy & Justice Yavneh Academy The Signature of G-d is truth...(Tractate Shabbat 55a) in partnership with JUDJ, Passover is Our Story of Freedom in partnership with Pesach commemorates the redemption of the Jewish people from slavery. In addition to physical Yavneh Academy Organizing Committee Passover commemorates the redemption of the Jewish people from slavery. Janice Kamenir-Reznik Shawn Landres Jews United Mel Levine servitude, the sources describe a deeper level of tyranny. The famous Kabbalist R. Isaac Luria, known Dan Loeterman In addition to physical servitude, our sources describe a deeper level of Organizing Committee Samantha Millman Janice Kamenir-Reznik for Democracy David N. Myers Shawn Landres Glenn Sonnenberg as the Arizal, notes the word Pesach can be broken into two words, (mouth) and Sach (speaks). Jews United Mel Levine & Justice Zev Yaroslavsky Peh tyranny. The Jewish people in Egypt could not express themselves honestly Dan Loeterman Sam Yebri for Democracy Samantha Millman David N. Myers Glenn Sonnenberg The Jewish people in Egypt couldn’t even express themselves properly due to the oppression of the due to the oppression of the Pharaoh. For example, Moses did not ask What is the & Justice Zev Yaroslavsky Sam Yebri Pharaoh. True freedom must include the ability to see the facts as they are. What happens when a Pharaoh to “let my people go,” rather he asked Pharaoh to simply let the As we prepare for Passover, government creates an environment where the line between truth and lies becomes blurred? Hebrews leave for a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices our thoughts naturally go to G-d. Moses lied since it was never Moses’s intention for the Hebrews, meaning to the idea of freedom and once out of slavery, to return to Pharaoh’s rule. True freedom, it seems, must “The Torah begins deliverance. But we are include the ability to see and state facts as they are. Maimonides’ Commentary of Justice in and ends reminded that we cannot Sefer Chassidim on the Mishna live in a truly free and just According to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, “What the Torah is telling us...is the with justice.” connection between freedom and truth. In Judaism, truth is the seal of G-d society without the one most the Jewish (47) Even a nodding or shaking of Justice is the role of true and and the essential precondition of trust between human beings. Where there Exodus Rabbah 30:19 important element: TRUTH. effective leadership. That role is freedom there can be truth.” Why, then, did G-d want the Jewish people Truth leads to justice, which the head in a manner that creates a needs to use both the elements of to be free? In simultaneously receiving freedom from Pharoah’s enslavement tradition? leads to peace. But how do truth, an intellectual perspective, and receiving Torah, what kind of society were we to create? we navigate the perils of false impression is prohibited. and peace, an emotional living in a society where there The answer can be found in the famous refrain “Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof,” perspective, to be holistic. (Devarim 16:20), usually translated as “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” is no common understanding The Jewish people were to create a just society, with truth and integrity as In our tradition, truth and justice are one. Chasing down cheap of what is truth and what its foundation, for “Truth is the signature of G-d” (Tractate Shabbat 55a). An important historical Biblical translation clicks [is] at the expense are lies? To give you food for The 1. One who through dishonesty causes a financial loss. (Targum Onkelos) from 2000 years ago “of accuracy and thought at your Seder, we are 2. A falsehood that does not directly harm another, but creates a understands the mandate of Tzedek, Tzedek veracity... Facts and pleased to offer this Study Big 9 situation that makes it likely. Tirdof differently. Onkolus translated these reliable information 3. One who does not cause money to be lost, but through lying “[Some people] never rise beyond the level of words as “Truth, truth you shall pursue”; Guide and Seder Supplement misrepresentation, and actually condescend to prove, to are essential for  causes one not to gain. rabbis and scholars have commented that the functioning of to enhance discussions at The Classic discuss, to argue. How different from the temper of the true liar from truth comes justice and from justice 4. One who relates events in an inaccurate manner that will impact with his frank fearless statements, his superb irresponsiblity , democracy — and your Seder table. comes peace. Rav Muna said: These three Cases negatively on the listener. his healthy, natural disdain of proof of any kind” things [truth, justice and peace] are actually the digital era has Rabbeinu Yonah 5. One who makes a promise to another with the intent of reneging. - Oscar Wilde, Irish poet and writer, “The Decay of Lying” one. When justice is done, truth is served made that even more (Sha’arei Teshuva, 6. One who promises sincerely but later does not live up to his and peace is achieved, as it is written: obvious.” Shaar 3:178-186) commitments. HERE ARE 4 QUESTIONS “These are the things that you shall do; —Katharine Viner, Let’s get lists nine categories of 7. One who tries to secure the gratitude of another person. TO ENHANCE YOUR SEDER THIS YEAR Speak every man the truth to his neighbor; “How Technology Disrupted the Truth” 8. One who takes praise for qualities not actually possessed. execute the judgment of truth and peace in perpetrators of falsehood The Guardian, July 12, 2016 analytical 9. Getting pleasure from the dishonesty. 1 Pharaoh told the Hebrews that they could leave Egypt and your gates.” (Zechariah 8:16) then sent his army to recapture them once they left. How does Pharaoh’s behavior compare with that of Moses in asking for three What’s the days to make sacrifices in the wilderness rather than asking to “let G-d makes a powerful statement by pairing freedom with the Jews’ accepting and nature of the Rama (Responsa 11) When is it permitted to lie? my people go” and leave Egypt for good? What is the same? committing to live according to the Ten Commandments: Freedom and truth are the What is different? underpinnings of a just society. To thrive in freedom and create a just society, G-d demonstrated that there must be a common understanding of truth and meaning. prohibition? Lying must bow to the cause Honesty is a character trait. While speaking truthfully is very 2 What are possible consequences when people in a community Is it about of peace and harmony. important, one must find the proper balance and at times, bend the or society do not share a common understanding of facts? Yet today, based on the findings of a recent MIT study about fake news, the conclusion is that truth in order to preserve peace. The focus is less on the act lying “social-media platforms do not encourage the kind of behavior that anchors a democratic but on being an honest person. Sometimes this requires one to be damage to R. Zalman Sorotzken Are there instances even in a free society in which it would be government. On platforms where every user is at once a reader, a writer, and a publisher, proactive and speak up on false matters. Other times, it means 3 Oznaim LeTorah to Shemot morally acceptable for leaders to lie? falsehoods are too seductive not to succeed…In short, social media seems to systematically one’s own balancing honesty with other values. amplify falsehood at the expense of the truth, and no one — neither experts nor Based on Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, 4 Do you feel that in our free society there should be penalties politicians nor tech companies — knows how to reverse that trend. It is a dangerous character, To teach that even though, Reshimot Shiurim, Shevuot 31a imposed on social media outlets (i.e. Twitter, Facebook etc) for moment for any system of government premised on a common public reality.” or hurting at times, to lie is permitted, publishing lies? If so, does the nature of the lie make a difference? one should What would be the consequences of imposing these kinds of — The Atlantic, March 8, 2018 Robinson Meyer, ”The Grim Conclusions of the Largest-Ever someone else? really try to avoid it. R’Illai says in the name of restrictions on free speech? Study of Fake News.” R’Eliezer ben R’Shimon Rav Sorotzken was a great that one is allowed to lie We dedicate this Seder Supplement Jewish leader in both Pre- for the sake of peace, Organizing Committee This study guide is dedicated to Jews United for DemocracyJanice & Justice Kamenir-Reznik (JUDJ) is a broad coalition of Los Angeles Jews committed to upholding Shawn Landres to the cherished memories of Nachum David Rubin’s father, Chaim Sussman War Poland and Post-War as it is written by the Jews United the principles of democracy, justice,Mel and Levine equality that anchor the American ideal. JUDJ speaks with a Jewish Dan Loeterman Inlender and Dr. Lawrence Neinstein, (Noam) Ben Nachum Halevi, a man Israel who sought ideas brothers lying about what voice, focusing on issues bearingSamantha on Millman fairness and freedom for all in the challenging times we face. For more for Democracy David N. Myers who brought joy and meaning to our who always understood truth and and policies to promote Yaakov said. R’Natan information about JUDJ, pleaseGlenn go Sonnenberg to www.judjla.org , or write to us at [email protected] & Justice Zev Yaroslavsky Pesach celebrations and healing to the Judaism. says it’s a mitzvah to lie. Sam Yebri was guided by justice. This Seder Discussion Supplement was developed for JUDJ by Tobi Inlender & Janice Kamenir-Reznik. world, each in his own unique and (Yevamot 65b) [ ] { profound way. [ ]

A STUDY GUIDE Jewish Teachings About Truth and For freedom, Justice there must be justice Developed by Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn, Yavneh Academy The Signature of G-d is truth...(Tractate Shabbat 55a) in partnership with JUDJ, Pesach commemorates the redemption of the Jewish people from slavery. In addition to physical Organizing Committee Janice Kamenir-Reznik Shawn Landres Jews United Mel Levine servitude, the sources describe a deeper level of tyranny. The famous Kabbalist R. Isaac Luria, known Dan Loeterman Samantha Millman for Democracy David N. Myers Glenn Sonnenberg as the Arizal, notes the word Pesach can be broken into two words, Peh (mouth) and Sach (speaks). Zev Yaroslavsky & Justice Sam Yebri The Jewish people in Egypt couldn’t even express themselves properly due to the oppression of the

Pharaoh. True freedom must include the ability to see the facts as they are. What happens when a As we prepare for Passover, government creates an environment where the line between truth and lies becomes blurred? our thoughts naturally go to the idea of freedom and deliverance. But we are Maimonides’ Commentary reminded that we cannot Sefer Chassidim on the Mishna live in a truly free and just society without the one most (47) Even a nodding or shaking of Justice is the role of true and important element: TRUTH. effective leadership. That role Truth leads to justice, which the head in a manner that creates a needs to use both the elements of leads to peace. But how do truth, an intellectual perspective, we navigate the perils of false impression is prohibited. and peace, an emotional living in a society where there perspective, to be holistic. is no common understanding of what is truth and what are lies? To give you food for The 1. One who through dishonesty causes a financial loss. thought at your Seder, we are 2. A falsehood that does not directly harm another, but creates a pleased to offer this Study Big 9 situation that makes it likely. Guide and Seder Supplement 3. One who does not cause money to be lost, but through lying to enhance discussions at The Classic  causes one not to gain. 4. One who relates events in an inaccurate manner that will impact your Seder table. Cases negatively on the listener. Rabbeinu Yonah 5. One who makes a promise to another with the intent of reneging. (Sha’arei Teshuva, 6. One who promises sincerely but later does not live up to his Shaar 3:178-186) commitments. Let’s get lists nine categories of 7. One who tries to secure the gratitude of another person. 8. One who takes praise for qualities not actually possessed. analytical perpetrators of falsehood 9. Getting pleasure from the dishonesty. What’s the nature of the Rama (Responsa 11) When is it permitted to lie?

prohibition? Lying must bow to the cause Honesty is a character trait. While speaking truthfully is very of peace and harmony. important, one must find the proper balance and at times, bend the Is it about truth in order to preserve peace. The focus is less on the act lying but on being an honest person. Sometimes this requires one to be damage to R. Zalman Sorotzken proactive and speak up on false matters. Other times, it means Oznaim LeTorah to Shemot one’s own balancing honesty with other values. Based on Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, character, To teach that even though, Reshimot Shiurim, Shevuot 31a or hurting at times, to lie is permitted, one should someone else? really try to avoid it. R’Illai says in the name of R’Eliezer ben R’Shimon Rav Sorotzken was a great that one is allowed to lie This study guide is dedicated to Jewish leader in both Pre- for the sake of peace, David Rubin’s father, Chaim Sussman War Poland and Post-War as it is written by the (Noam) Ben Nachum Halevi, a man Israel who sought ideas brothers lying about what who always understood truth and and policies to promote Yaakov said. R’Natan was guided by justice. Judaism. says it’s a mitzvah to lie. [ ] (Yevamot 65b) { A PASSOVER SUPPLEMENT For justice, To Enhance the Conversation at there must be truth Your Seder Table Prepared by Jews United for Democracy & Justice Passover is Our Story of Freedom in partnership with Passover commemorates the redemption of the Jewish people from slavery. Yavneh Academy

In addition to physical servitude, our sources describe a deeper level of Organizing Committee Janice Kamenir-Reznik Shawn Landres Jews United Mel Levine tyranny. The Jewish people in Egypt could not express themselves honestly Dan Loeterman Samantha Millman for Democracy David N. Myers Glenn Sonnenberg due to the oppression of the Pharaoh. For example, Moses did not ask What is the & Justice Zev Yaroslavsky Sam Yebri

Pharaoh to “let my people go,” rather he asked Pharaoh to simply let the Hebrews leave for a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to G-d. Moses lied since it was never Moses’s intention for the Hebrews, meaning once out of slavery, to return to Pharaoh’s rule. True freedom, it seems, must “The Torah begins include the ability to see and state facts as they are. of Justice in and ends According to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, “What the Torah is telling us...is the with justice.” connection between freedom and truth. In Judaism, truth is the seal of G-d the Jewish and the essential precondition of trust between human beings. Where there Exodus Rabbah 30:19 is freedom there can be truth.” Why, then, did G-d want the Jewish people to be free? In simultaneously receiving freedom from Pharoah’s enslavement tradition? and receiving Torah, what kind of society were we to create?

The answer can be found in the famous refrain “Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof,” (Devarim 16:20), usually translated as “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” The Jewish people were to create a just society, with truth and integrity as In our tradition, truth and justice are one. Chasing down cheap its foundation, for “Truth is the signature of G-d” (Tractate Shabbat 55a). An important historical Biblical translation clicks [is] at the expense (Targum Onkelos) from 2000 years ago “of accuracy and understands the mandate of Tzedek, Tzedek veracity... Facts and Tirdof differently. Onkolus translated these reliable information “[Some people] never rise beyond the level of words as “Truth, truth you shall pursue”; misrepresentation, and actually condescend to prove, to are essential for rabbis and scholars have commented that the functioning of discuss, to argue. How different from the temper of the true liar from truth comes justice and from justice with his frank fearless statements, his superb irresponsiblity , democracy — and comes peace. Rav Muna said: These three his healthy, natural disdain of proof of any kind” things [truth, justice and peace] are actually the digital era has - Oscar Wilde, Irish poet and writer, “The Decay of Lying” one. When justice is done, truth is served made that even more and peace is achieved, as it is written: obvious.” HERE ARE 4 QUESTIONS “These are the things that you shall do; —Katharine Viner, TO ENHANCE YOUR SEDER THIS YEAR Speak every man the truth to his neighbor; “How Technology Disrupted the Truth” execute the judgment of truth and peace in The Guardian, July 12, 2016 1 Pharaoh told the Hebrews that they could leave Egypt and your gates.” (Zechariah 8:16) then sent his army to recapture them once they left. How does Pharaoh’s behavior compare with that of Moses in asking for three days to make sacrifices in the wilderness rather than asking to “let G-d makes a powerful statement by pairing freedom with the Jews’ accepting and my people go” and leave Egypt for good? What is the same? committing to live according to the Ten Commandments: Freedom and truth are the What is different? underpinnings of a just society. To thrive in freedom and create a just society, G-d demonstrated that there must be a common understanding of truth and meaning. 2 What are possible consequences when people in a community or society do not share a common understanding of facts? Yet today, based on the findings of a recent MIT study about fake news, the conclusion is that “social-media platforms do not encourage the kind of behavior that anchors a democratic 3 Are there instances even in a free society in which it would be government. On platforms where every user is at once a reader, a writer, and a publisher, morally acceptable for leaders to lie? falsehoods are too seductive not to succeed…In short, social media seems to systematically amplify falsehood at the expense of the truth, and no one — neither experts nor 4 Do you feel that in our free society there should be penalties politicians nor tech companies — knows how to reverse that trend. It is a dangerous imposed on social media outlets (i.e. Twitter, Facebook etc) for moment for any system of government premised on a common public reality.” publishing lies? If so, does the nature of the lie make a difference? What would be the consequences of imposing these kinds of — The Atlantic, March 8, 2018 Robinson Meyer, ”The Grim Conclusions of the Largest-Ever restrictions on free speech? Study of Fake News.”

We dedicate this Seder Supplement Organizing Committee Jews United for DemocracyJanice & Justice Kamenir-Reznik (JUDJ) is a broad coalition of Los Angeles Jews committed to upholding Shawn Landres to the cherished memories of Nachum Jews United the principles of democracy, justice,Mel and Levine equality that anchor the American ideal. JUDJ speaks with a Jewish Dan Loeterman Inlender and Dr. Lawrence Neinstein, voice, focusing on issues bearingSamantha on Millman fairness and freedom for all in the challenging times we face. For more for Democracy David N. Myers who brought joy and meaning to our information about JUDJ, pleaseGlenn go Sonnenberg to www.judjla.org , or write to us at [email protected] Zev Yaroslavsky Pesach celebrations and healing to the & Justice Sam Yebri This Seder Discussion Supplement was developed for JUDJ by Tobi Inlender & Janice Kamenir-Reznik. world, each in his own unique and profound way. [ ]