Xenophobic Demagogue or National Savior?! Can We Discuss This Constructively?

Introduction

His rise to power came at the expense of minority groups. His legacy has been an area of endless controversy. How do we understand the intentions of Pharaoh to enslave the Israelites in the beginning of the Book of Exodus? How did the commentaries over the last 2000 years disagree over interpreting his intentions? How can a close text study of these ideas contribute to healthier, more constructive conversations about political leaders today – especially those we don’t agree with?

For a podcast on the subject, see www.elmad.pardes.org/2012/01/5772-shemot-why-would-one-nation-oppress-another/.

Click here for a Pardes 360 by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth on Pharaoh and Trump for Parshat Shemot.

Daniel Roth

Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth is Director Emeritus of the Pardes Center for Judaism and Conflict Resolution and an adjunct faculty member. He is currently Director of Mosaica and teaches graduate courses on religion and peacebuilding at Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv University and Hebrew University.

Daniel initiated Pardes’s Mahloket Matters and the 9Adar Project, promoting constructive conflict and dialogue in Israel and beyond. A regular lecturer for MEJDI Tours and National Geographic, he previously served as a senior research fellow at George Mason University’s Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution. Daniel holds degrees from Bar-Ilan University, Hebrew University, and Herzog Teachers’ College, and received rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Har Etzion.

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