As a religiously observant Jew, living in Ohio, USA, I am very concerned about what appears to be an ignorant, anti-Judaism, smear campaign being waged on your internet site.

In particular, one frequent writer, this Mr Alexander Baldal, seems to have set himself up as your in-house expert on Jews and Judaism. I assure you that he is not an expert, and instead is exceedingly ignorant about Judaism and our ways.

The material which he cites on Talmud, from an internet site, is not an accurate source, but is instead grossly distorted anti-Judaism propaganda. Using this nutty material, he proceeds to absurdly claim that Jews do not observe the Torah.

Any ignoramus knows that the Talmud is discussion and commentary on the Holy Torah, and therefore it completely depends upon it. The only rational position is that Talmud, which is written about the Torah, must assume the Torah's supremacy - and it does. Footnotes without the main piece are worthless and meaningless.

Of course the Torah is our "holiest book". This is seen in our religious observance, as when a Torah scroll is picked up, we all stand at attention and in respect, as one would want to do in the presence of G-d's own words. This is not done when someone picks up a copy of one of the books of Talmud.

In regards to the broader attacks on Jews, Judaism and Israel, I suggest that Mr Baldal spend a little time looking at the USA civil rights movement, in which Jews worked tirelessly, and were even murdered as martyrs; to enable Black civil rights. Next he might see how Jews caused an end to Apartheid, therein freeing the Blacks of South Africa. All of this is in accordance with the teachings of our Torah, which causes us to go out, not to gain as do others, but to free others.

No wonder oppressive rulers fear us and our Torah, which requires others to be free, while we serve G-d.

Whoever heard of such a Nation?

He did: “We are your nation and your flock” (Psalms 89).

Elisheva Rubin
Cleveland, Ohio