In last week’s SA Jewish Report (29 July 2021), our chief rabbi urged us to get vaccinated.
It’s well known that according to the Talmud, saving a single life is considered as important as saving the entire world. When it comes to protecting human lives, almost all of the mitzvot fall away. Virtually every doctor and scientist around the world agrees that it’s important to get the jab.
Yet, there are some conspiracy theorists with colourful beliefs who disagree.
When there’s a disagreement, the Talmud always follows the majority view. The numbers and facts don’t lie. These show overwhelmingly that vaccination saves lives.
In Israel, where most people are difficult to fool, almost everyone has been vaccinated. In fact, they are now going for additional booster shots in the holy land.
Should we differ in our views, let’s agree to disagree. Unity and peace are important. Rather than hating the person just because of an idea, it’s best to have the grace to rise above the disagreement. Hillel pointed out that to love your neighbour is the essence of Judaism. It’s preferable to play the ball, not the man.
Talking about love and saving lives, we have an opportunity to help others who are struggling to register for vaccinations. Fortunately, the South African roll out is now moving quickly.
Larry Jasven
Aug 10, 2021 at 1:54 pm
I think this article is seriously biased? “Virtually every scientist and doctor around the world agree”. No they don’t. There are gazillions that disagree, you just don’t hear from them because like your article says, they are considered conspiracy theorists,and main stream media don’t like those. They question the safety of the vax. That’s a good thing. Because the myocarditis and clotting issues are downplayed and trivialized. The general feeling I get from reading this is that if one dosnt agree with vax policy then you’re an idiot,a bad jew and youre even going against the Torah. This is really sad. I thought you guys had more balance and less shaming tactics. If one chooses against vax its not the job of the wannabe prefects to point fingers. The questions are real and the answers to the safety fears are weak. We don’t all think the same. Just my views. I’m a bit dissapointed in the one sided coercion that was portrayed here.