Chochma ba'Goyim: The Wisdom and Character of the Righteous Gentile

This is an article in progress. 

• Story reading "No Mirrors in my Nanas house.
• Experience as a young child passing a church on a Sunday - great for non Jews to have a religion so society has morals. 
• Rabbi Breitowtiz regarding Catholic social teaching - articulate and email to him to verify that this aligns with the message he intended and if i can share his name behind the statement. 
• Rabbi Breitowitz regarding Yoga and meditation - ask Halacha if I can reccomend Palouse
• The Kuzari vs the Rashba regarding greek philosophy
• Evolutionary biology for the field of infectious disease
• Newtonian physics
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Concern: being isolated to the outside world or other communities can make one feel they cannot get information or wise counsel. That’s a very real feeling, and it’s important to acknowledge how isolating it can be. Judaism teaches that while we share some values with others, our covenant and mission are unique and rooted in Torah. Aligning with non-Jews on certain issues is not inherently wrong, but we must be careful not to blur the distinctiveness of our tradition or compromise on Torah principles. The challenge is to engage respectfully without losing our identity or relying on others to define our values. How do you see balancing these alliances while maintaining your Jewish commitment?

Judaism does not validate or celebrate the theological positions of other religions, including Christianity. However, we can recognize when individuals or institutions take moral stances that align with universal values, such as opposing ideologies like communism that historically sought to suppress religion and morality. Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical against communism, Rerum Novarum, addressed the dangers of materialism and the dehumanization inherent in certain economic systems, which aligns with the Torah’s emphasis on human dignity and ethical responsibility.

That said, it’s important to view such contributions through a Jewish lens. While we can appreciate the moral courage of others, we must remain grounded in our own tradition, which provides a comprehensive framework for addressing societal challenges. Judaism teaches that ethical societies are built on Torah principles, such as justice, charity, and the sanctity of human life.