(ARIZONA / VINnews) — Ben Shapiro got a sharp response on social media, after the popular right-wing talk-show host bestowed strong praise upon a Christian prayer festival.
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Shapiro called the Asbury Revival in Kentucky “one of the most inspiring things” he’s ever seen. He even drew a comparison of sorts to his own visit to the Kosel in Jerusalem.
Pesach Lattin, a vocal orthodox Jew, responded on Twitter, saying “I cannot help but be deeply troubled by” Shapiro’s comments. He added: “…it is understandable that many Orthodox Jews remain opposed to anything associated with the New Testament, even if it appears to be a positive event. I do not question Shapiro’s commitment to his faith or his love for his fellow Jews, but I believe that he is mistaken in his endorsement of the Right Wing Christian Asbury Revival.”
https://twitter.com/pesach_lattin/status/1634246968926158849
Shapiro, an orthodox Jew as well, was quoted in “Israel Today” praising the event and questioning why the mainstream media does not report it.
He said, “There’s been this amazing event at Asbury University. it’s drawn tens of thousands of people… to this tiny Kentucky town over the course of 13 days just to pray.
“It’s not political. It’s not like a big Trump event. It’s not like a big right-wing event. It’s just a bunch of people who came to a church and then over the course of two weeks essentially they just prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed.”
Shapiro continued, “The fact that this has not drawn intense media coverage is kind of shocking in the sense that it is a media story when 50,000 people descend on a very small town just to pray and find communion with each other and G-d…
“Religion requires you to commune with others. It is why it happens in churches. It is why in the Talmud it says that … you have to have ten men to form a minyan in order to do certain aspects of Jewish prayer…
“There is something euphoric about worshiping with tens of thousands of other people. I’ve done it myself when I go to the Kotel on a Friday night – the Western Wall in Israel in Jerusalem.
“What I’m hoping is that what’s happening in Asbury is the forerunner to a broader religious revival. Because let’s be frank about this, without religion, society in the West is going to die. It is just that simple.”
In response, Lattin tweeted:
“While I appreciate his recognition of the importance of communal worship and the need for religion to be more than just a personal experience, I cannot overlook the fact that this revival is rooted in Christian theology.
As Jews, we have endured centuries of persecution and discrimination at the hands of Christians who have used their religion as a justification for their hatred of our people. The New Testament, which is the foundation of Christian belief, contains numerous passages that are deeply offensive to Jews and have been used to justify acts of violence against us.
Therefore, it is understandable that many Orthodox Jews remain opposed to anything associated with the New Testament, even if it appears to be a positive event.
I do not question Shapiro’s commitment to his faith or his love for his fellow Jews, but I believe that he is mistaken in his endorsement of the Right Wing Christian Asbury Revival.
Moreover, his comparison of the revival to prayer at the Western Wall is misguided. While it is true that the Western Wall is a site of great spiritual significance for Jews, it is not rooted in Christian theology and is therefore not subject to the same concerns as the Asbury Revival. There is no connection whatsoever.
As the Talmud teaches, “If ten men sit together and occupy themselves with Torah, the Divine Presence rests among them” (Pirkei Avot 3:6). This is the essence of communal worship for Jews. We do not need to look to Christian events for inspiration or to experience the presence of G-d.
While I appreciate Ben Shapiro’s passion for communal worship and his recognition of its importance, I must condemn his endorsement of the Asbury Revival. As Jews, we must remain vigilant in protecting ourselves from the dangers of Christian theology and remain committed to our own traditions and practices.”
Ben talks to mostly non-jews. He’s encouraging them to be more religous, something good for all society.
At no point is he implying that theres something chasuv about the new testamnet.
Rabbi Lattin, youre fishing.
He’s not endorsing it for Jews…
He’s saying it’s good for non-Jews to be religious (even if Christianity). Which is true. Check the Rambam.
He’s not a religious figure, i.e. rabbi. I don’t think he would do it if he were…
He’s always mentioning whether a food advertised on his show is kosher or not. It’s clear he promotes Judaism for Jews.
As for the comparison to the Western Wall. He’s obviously aware the Western Wall has nothing to do with Christianity… And obviously wasn’t comparing it in that way at all… Silly “upshlug.”
Ben Shapiro is 100 percent correct here. Religion is important, regardless if Jewish or Christian.
Non-fan of Ben Shapiro here (nothing against him personally though).
That being said, Shapiro is 100 % spot-on in this instance.
What’s newsworthy is what Shapiro said, not what a random person on Twitter happened to say in response.
The random person is entitled to his opinion, but he’s not entitled to speak on behalf of Judaism.
And I see no reason why the random person’s viewpoint is more reflective of Judaism than Shapiro’s is (in THIS instance).
I disagree. The world is becoming less and less religious, especially in Europe. In our times, it is important to encourage non-Jewish worship of G-d even in the way they do it – instead of atheism.
While Ben Shapiro isnt my Rabbi this Rabbi Lattin isnt either. Since when do Orthodox Rabbis tweet?
I have a problem with a person who is labeled Orthodox Rabbi and tweets ALOT every day. The place where I grew up, a rabbi was someone who’s a God fearing and wise man with great knowledge in Torah, served the community and learned a lot.
Criticizing a religious revival on the basis that it’s bad for the Jews. Can’t see anything worrisome here. No way this could turn out bad.
I actually attended a Sunday morning Church service. (I was in a weird place. Nothing to do with Ch’V converting just curious but nature.)
I can tell you most very religious Christians are wonderful people & really don’t talk about Christianity or try to convert you. I used to go with a born again Christian to the shooting range & it was fun for both of us
For a while I hung out with Seventh Day Adventists (just as friends) & I have to say they are the best people I’ve ever met.
Yes Christianity caused us much heartache & pain. But people change & the (especially Catholic) churches have reached out to be partners with us.
This Lattin guy seems angry & immature. Let’s focus on progress not rehashing the past.
I have no problem with Akum worshipping Hashem in the manner consistent with where He placed them.
I know him personally grew up in the same shul. Where there is no religion there crime and murder, IE: the Chofetz Chaim insisting on using a wagon driver only with a BIG cross ETC.
Calm down. He never endorsed the religion. He’s just saying that it is newsworthy in todays day and age when religion is disappearing. Plus he’s saying that community prayer is helpful.
Mainstream media reported it. Front page, 6 column article in NYT when it happened. Relax. Tempest in stchav pot…
Events by people of that religion which has tormented and been responsible for deaths of our people over many hundreds of years is best ignored. They believe that only those who accept their man/god can be saved and that a war involving Jews will bring the return of the long deceased Jewish man they worship
Oh mean he has to pander to his audience. It’s a balancing act.
This Ben Shapiro guy became like an idol to Orthodox Jews. As if his views represents Orthodox Jews.
I bet had he not been Jewish he probably would of belonged to the extreme white nationalists groups in America.