Debate #3

Rachel Gray, Amanda Aussems

4 October 2013

Professor Rebecca Lesses

Jews in the Modern World                                                                  

How Jews Should Alter Judaism in order to Adhere to Ideals of Revolution

            The French Revolution erupted in France due to a long lineage of aristocratic, affluent, and greedy royal families. The royal families were not only tyrant rulers of the nation but also held strong position in the church sect of France. Many French rulers depleted the financial resources of the French people and crushed the morale of the French lower class. Due to the immense difference between high-class French citizens and the commoners, the poor grew tired of constant oppression and were in extreme favor for change. Although the Jews were emancipated, the question on whether Jews could be “redeveloped” still lingered in France. As the Revolution began to dwindle down, Jews seemed to have had the upper hand in society. This was due to the fact that peasants could now make land purchases and were still borrowing money from Jewish moneylenders (Efron, 245). Ultimately, this led to the peasants having more debt to the Jews. So, even though Jews and peasants had more economic opportunities, the tensions between them actually increased. This economic dispute displays that Jews were still not in favor for national importance preceding their Jewishness. If they did, they would have not exploited the peasants. Our main concern is that Jews will continue to lie and cheat their way into the hierarchy of the previously demolished French Royal Order.

• Jews Chosen by French Revolution for Perpetuation of their Stereotype

Jews are benefitting from the new modern ways of life while the “true nationals”, the French peasants, are suffering. Now that Napoleon changed France’s currency towards the end of the Revolution, the money that is being lent to peasants is considered useless. Peasants cannot pay back their debts to the Jewish moneylenders and the courts are awarding the Jews their estates (Efron, 245). The Jewish Policy implemented by Napoleon must be reviewed. In addition, the Jews must adopt the ways of the French to be considered real French citizens (Mendes-Flohr and Jehuda Reinharz, 124). The Alsatian Jews are profiting from the Revolution rather than living up to its ideals, an act that completely goes against what the Revolution stands for. Jews have always been thought of as corrupt, greedy and immoral and they are proving true to those accusations. If they do not change their ways of moneylending and exploitation, they will bring down everything France has accomplished through the Revolution.

• French Brethren before Jewish Brethren

In order for the Jews to adhere to the ideals of the Revolution, it is vital that Jews consider the people among whom they live their brethren. Jews should be patriots in the land of the French and assimilate with those around them, while their Jewishness holds secondary importance and follows behind their civil duties. In the doctrine of Judaism, Holdheim declares, “First come your compatriots, then come your co-religionists” (notes 10/4) This is an idea that the Jews truly need to embrace in order to be accepted by French society. By altering Jewish practices, we want Jews to achieve a goal Alder has set forth; “The Jew acknowledges every man as his brother, but he acknowledges his fellow countryman to be with whom he is connected by a particular bond, a bond forged by the effort to realize common political purposes” (notes 10/4). In addition to viewing other Frenchmen as their brethren, it is imperative to bring about changes in language. By considering Hebrew to be of central importance to Judaism, one would define Judaism as a national religion. Also, having Hebrew as a separate language in France, advocates Jews as a separate nation. The Revolution fought for unity and equality among all people. It is in the best interest of the French people to be unified as one nation. Thus, Jews must do away with Hebrew language and only speak and write in French.

• Reform in Messianism should be altered

Messianism has the potential to create doubt about allegiance to the Revolution.  It is vital to renounce all prayers not intended for the good of the nation, in order to embody the sacrifices made and reinforce political independence. By believing in a Messiah, it is implied that once that Messiah has come, Jews will pack their bags and leave France. By leaving France, they abandon their brothers, their nation, and their loyalty to France as well. Also with believing in the Messiah, it takes away from the overall savior Napoleon who has been the ultimate supporter of assimilation.

Jews were allowed to be emancipated into the French society, but were under the watchful eye of Napoleon and his court. No matter how edger the Jews seemed to be about adapting into society, deep down inside they are the same greedy and corrupt individuals as evident throughout history. In order to be a function member of society there needs to be critical changes in the laws of Judaism such as: no longer believing in a Messiah, no longer speaking Hebrew, embracing Frenchmen as their brothers, and breaking free from stereotype. If all of the points above are successfully executed, only then will Jews have embraced the ideals of the French Revolution and be confirmed within the French society.

Works Cited

Mendes-Flohr and Jehuda Reinharz. The Jew In the Modern World.3^rd ed. New York:

 Oxford UP, 2011. 

Efron, John. The Jews: A History. New York: Person Education, 2009.

Notes from Religious Reform PowerPoint 10/4.