At a time when Jews around the world are dealing with rising antisemitism, increased security concerns, harassment on college campuses, and an explosion of anti-Jewish rhetoric online, Israeli minister May Golan apparently decided that one of her priorities should be insulting Reform Jews. Her comments directed at Reform rabbi and Knesset member Gilad Kariv weren’t merely offensive. They were politically foolish, strategically shortsighted, and completely disconnected from the challenges facing the Jewish people today.

The old “marrying dogs” slur directed at Reform Judaism is not a serious religious argument. It is not a thoughtful critique of theology. It is not an attempt to persuade anyone. It is the kind of cheap insult people use when they would rather mock than engage. You can disagree with Reform Judaism. Plenty of Jews do. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, secular, and traditional Jews have been arguing with one another for generations. Debate is part of Jewish culture. Ridicule is not.

What makes Golan’s remarks especially baffling is that Reform Judaism is not some tiny fringe........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)