Soccer Dad

Just What Does Jimmy Carter Know About Judaism?

Last week, Jimmy Carter claimed that Israeli polices toward the Palestinian Authority violates the Jewish religion.

Stop and think about that for a moment. What in the world is Carter talking about?

Is Jimmy Carter basing his comment on his study of the Chumash? If so, has he actually read the Tanakh in the original Hebrew or has he been relying on the King James translation of a translation of the original Hebrew? Has he studied Rashi? Is he familiar with the difference between Torah She’Bichtav and Torah She’Baal Peh and why the former cannot be understood without the latter?

Is Carter aware of the fundamental difference between Judaism and Christianity: that Judaism is not a religion in the Christian sense, but rather has a legal component--Halacha--that makes Judaism an all inclusive way of life?

Is Carter familiar with Halacha and how Jewish law deals with the topic of Pidyon Shevuyim, ransoming captives, a topic painfully relevant with the kidnapping of Israelis soldiers. Is Jimmy Carter perhaps familiar with the concept of Rodef—a would-be murderer—in Jewish law, with implications for dealing with Palestinian terrorists.

Of course, Jimmy Carter’s ignorance of Judaism is patently obvious—as clear as the numerous errors that have been pointed out in his latest book. (See CAMERA's A Comprehensive Collection of Jimmy Carter's Errors)

In centuries past, when the Church attacked Judaism it would force Jews to present a defender in a debate where the Church itself would declare the winner.

Today, Carter attacks Israel and now is reduced to turning around and denying the ability of Jews to present a defender altogether.

By Daled Amos

Jimmy Carter