Jews and Guns

In Leviticus, it is written than “You are not to stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is at stake.” This is especially pertinent with the current debate in our country about guns and gun control.

The recent tragedy in Newtown, CT is a tragic reminder that over 30,000 Americans die each year as a result of gun violence. The number and severity of violent shootings in recent years can only be described as an epidemic. We are inspired by a Jewish tradition that emphasizes the sanctity of human life, and commands us to turn weapons of destruction into tools for the greater good of society. It is imperative that President Obama and Congress take action to prevent gun violence, including taking assault weapons off of our streets and improving our system of background checks.

Background:

Over 30,000 Americans die each year as a result of gun violence. The number and severity of violent shootings in recent years can only be described as an epidemic. It is imperative that President Obama and Congress take action to advance sensible gun control laws, including taking assault weapons off of our streets and improving our system of background checks.

As if the United States needed one more reminder about the epidemic nature of gun violence, we have seen more than 60 mass shootings since Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others were shot in Tucson, Arizona in 2011. Most recently, we witnessed the tragic shooting of 20 young children and eight adults at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Each year, more than 30,000 Americans die from gun violence. Each day, more than 80 fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, family, and friends are killed as a result of our inability to advance common-sense regulations.

As we continue to mourn the lives of those murdered, it is our collective responsibility to advance sensible gun-laws aimed at curbing future violence and Congress must act swiftly.

Jewish Values:

Jewish tradition emphasizes the sanctity and primary value of human life. The Bible commands us, “Thou shalt not murder” (Exodus 20:13). The Talmud teaches us that “he who takes one life it is as though he has destroyed the universe and he who saves one life it is as though he has saved the universe” (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5). In an increasingly impersonal and alienating society, the dehumanizing of the human being and the carelessness with which human life is taken stand in direct violation of these affirmations of our tradition.

Scripture encourages peaceful pursuit of our mutual welfare. Isaiah exhorts the people of the earth “beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks.” (Isaiah 2:4) We are commanded to turn weapons of destruction into tools for the greater good of society. The following text from the Bereshit Rabbah (21:13) further idealizes the land free of weapons, “The Rabbis, commenting on the words: ‘He placed at the East of the Garden of Eden the Cherubim and the flaming sword’ say: ‘At the East of the Garden of Eden at the very spot where stood the Cherubim with the flaming sword – there was Gehenna created.’

Take Action – Share your opinion with your Member of Congress:

Advance sensible gun-laws and more gun control?

Support stronger second amendment protection?

It doesn’t matter much if you tell me your opinions, tell someone who can make a difference!

Congressman Charlie Dent

Email – Dent.house.gov

Allentown office:

3900 Hamilton Boulevard

Allentown, PA  18103

Telephone: 610-770-3490

Toll-Free: 866-861-2624

Senator Pat Toomey

Email – Toomey.senate.gov

Allentown/Lehigh Valley Office:

1150 S. Cedar Crest Blvd Suite 101

Allentown, PA 18103

Phone: (610) 434-1444

Toll-free phone (for callers in PA): 1-855-552-1831

Senator Robert Casey

Email – Casey.senate.gov

Washington, DC Office:

393 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Phone: (202) 224-6324

Toll Free: (866) 802-2833

Lehigh Valley Office:

840 Hamilton Street, Suite 301

Allentown, PA 18101

Phone: (610) 782-9470

How to write your Congressman:

Keep it short and express a clear opinion (Example:  “I support stringent background checks on the sale of all firearms. I hope you will vote for that type of legislation.”)

The congressional offices have heard all the arguments already. You are not likely to sway them with a long, eloquent and perfectly crafted letter. They really just count opinions as ‘for’ or ‘against’.