​The Talmud tells a famous story about the destruction of the Second Temple. It did not start with a foreign army or a grand war. It started with a petty mistake at a private dinner.

​A wealthy man in Jerusalem wanted to host a party for his friend, Kamza. His servant accidentally delivered the invitation to Bar Kamza—the host’s bitter enemy. When Bar Kamza arrived, the host was furious and demanded he leave immediately.

​Bar Kamza begged to stay to avoid public embarrassment. He offered to pay for his own food and drink. The host refused. Bar Kamza offered to pay for half the party. The host still said no. Desperate, he offered to pay for the entire event just to spare his dignity. The host refused every offer, took Bar Kamza by the hand, and threw him out into the street.

​Bar Kamza left humiliated, but what hurt more was the silence in the room. Sitting at the main tables were prominent rabbis and community leaders. They watched this public cruelty and said nothing. As Elie Wiesel wrote, neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim; silence encourages the tormentor. To Bar Kamza, their silence felt like consent.

​Consuming himself with a desire for........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)