Parashat Mishpatim: Do Not Go With The Flow

The Rising Tide of Antisemitism: A Biblical Call to Resist the Crowd

This Week's Reading

Torah: Exodus 21:1-24:18

Haftarah: Jeremiah 34:8-34:22; 33:25-33:26

Brit Chadashah: Jude 1

You can't scroll through social media for more than a minute without encountering vicious comments or posts demonizing the Jewish people. Even on uplifting content created by Jewish individuals or praising Jewish faith and culture, the comments section erupts with vile, hateful rhetoric. According to recent reports from the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. have surged by 140% since 2023, with similar trends echoing across Europe and beyond.

This hatred might be expected from those outside the faith, but what's truly disheartening is that many self-proclaimed disciples of Yeshua—the Jewish Messiah—are joining in. Historically, the Christian community was among Israel's strongest allies, providing financial aid, compassion, hospitality, and prayers. Today, however, curses, profanity-laced abuse, and outright condemnation dominate. People who once condemned the Nazis now proudly echo their ideology. Few believers are willing to emulate past heroes like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, standing against the mob. Parashat Mishpatim offers a timeless warning against this very behavior:

“Do not spread a false report. Do not join hands with the wicked by becoming a malicious witness. Do not follow a crowd to do evil. Nor are you to testify in a case, to follow a crowd and pervert justice.” (Exodus 23:1-2)

In Hebrew, "shema shav" (false report) goes beyond mere gossip—it's about spreading damaging rumors that erode trust and destroy communities. Words hold immense power; they can ruin reputations and even end lives. Jewish history is riddled with examples: pogroms, ghettos, inquisitions, the Holocaust, and the October 7, 2023, genocide by Hamas all began with hateful words rooted in evil intent. Yeshua echoes this in the New Testament:

“But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca’ shall be subject to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be subject to fiery Gehenna.” (Matthew 5:22)

Even internal, unspoken anger is harmful. Hateful words are equated with murder. Tragically, many who claim to follow the Messiah are guilty of "murdering" the Jewish people through their rhetoric, rampaging like Saul of Tarsus before his turn to faith.

The second verse warns, "lo ta'aneh al-rab" (do not side with the many), targeting mob mentality. The Torah calls for a society where individuals resist the crowd's pull toward injustice, submitting instead to the Holy Spirit. Mussar tradition emphasizes personal accountability: We are not mindless goats but sheep—image-bearers of G-d, called to holiness in a crooked world.

Yet, we shouldn't be entirely shocked by believers turning against Israel. The Epistle of Jude describes such people:

“But these people slander whatever they do not understand. And whatever they do understand instinctively—like animals without reason—by these things they are destroyed. Woe to them! For they went the way of Cain; they were consumed for pay in Balaam’s error; and in Korah’s rebellion they have been destroyed. These people are hidden rocky reefs at your love feasts—shamelessly feasting with you, tending only to themselves. They are waterless clouds, carried along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.

It was also about these people that Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, ‘Behold, the L-rd came with myriads of His kedoshim, to execute judgment against all. He will convict all the ungodly for all their ungodly deeds that they have done in an ungodly way, and for all of the harsh things ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.’ These are bellyaching grumblers, following after their own desires. Their mouth speaks grandiose things, showing favoritism for the sake of gain.

But you, loved ones, ought to remember the words previously proclaimed by the emissaries of our L-rd Yeshua the Messiah—how they kept telling you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following after their own ungodly desires.’ These are the ones who cause divisions—worldly-minded, not having the Ruach. But you, loved ones, continue building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Ruach ha-Kodesh. Keep yourselves in the love of G-d, eagerly waiting for the mercy of our L-rd Yeshua the Messiah that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who are wavering—save them by snatching them out of the fire; but on others have mercy with fear—hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” (Jude 1:10-23)

Jude likens these infiltrators to Cain, who murdered out of envy (Genesis 4); Balaam, the false prophet who led Israel astray for profit (Numbers 22-24); and Korah, who rebelled against G-d's authority, destroying many in the process (Numbers 16). They are "hidden reefs... waterless clouds... uprooted trees" (Jude 1:12), headed for eternal judgment.

This directly ties to those who introduce replacement theology into the faith. Like Cain, they harbor murderous envy toward their Jewish "brothers," fueling antisemitism over Israel's chosen role. Like Balaam, they spread false doctrines for gain—social clout, power, or money—cursing Israel instead of blessing it and praying for Jerusalem's peace. Like Korah, they reject G-d's order, dismissing the Torah and Israel's place in salvation history. These wolves promote supersessionism, perverting grace into exclusion and denying Yeshua's Jewish roots. Jude's warning mirrors Exodus 23:1-2: False reports and mob-following let them thrive, leading believers astray. Influential leaders who persist unrepentant will face Korah's judgment, accountable for misleading multitudes. Followers who promote these teachings share the blame.

Practical Applications: Living Out Mussar

So, how do we respond? Exodus 23:1-2 urges active resistance: Speak truth and reject conformity. Heed Jude by testing teachings against all Scripture and exposing falsehoods in love.

1. Cultivate Truth-Seeking: Study Hebrew Scriptures using Messianic Jewish resources. Challenge biases by learning Israel's history, the Holocaust, and current events from balanced sources, like The Israel Guys podcast.

2. Resist Mob Mentality: Engage in interfaith dialogue, visit a Messianic synagogue, and support organizations like the Joseph Project via the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA).

Mussar Exercise: Build compassion and counter biases by verbally expressing support for the Jewish people daily. Don't be deterred by backlash—view it as sharing in Messiah's suffering, for the world hated Him first. Here's a six-day plan to incorporate into prayer, journaling, and action (repeat as needed):

• Day 1: Gratitude – Say aloud: "Thank You, G-d, for the Jewish people, through whom You gave the Torah, the Prophets, and Messiah Yeshua. I bless them today." Post or comment this on social media, especially amid hateful threads.

• Day 2: Empathy – "L-rd, I stand with Jewish brothers and sisters facing hatred. Grant them peace and protection, as Psalm 122 urges." Share publicly if possible.

• Day 3: Repentance – "Forgive me and the Church for any role in replacement thinking. Help me honor Israel's irrevocable calling (Romans 11:28-29)." Post or comment.

• Day 4: Solidarity – "I commit to speaking truth against antisemitism. May my words build bridges, not walls." Share online.

• Day 5: Prayer for Unity – "Unite Jews and Gentiles in Messiah, breaking down the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14). I support Jewish causes with my voice and heart." Post or comment.

• Day 6: Action Pledge – "Today, I choose not to follow the crowd. I'll share a positive story about Jewish contributions or reach out to a Jewish friend." Act and share.

Track how this shifts your perspective—mussar transforms through consistent practice.

For leaders: Preach against supersessionism; teach Romans 9-11 and Jude from a Messianic Jewish viewpoint; organize Israel trips for your congregation. Together, we heal divisions and align with G-d's heart.

A Call to Redemption

Exodus 23:1-2 serves as a divine barrier against falsehood and conformity that fuel antisemitism and replacement theology. Jude's depictions of Cain-like hatred, Balaam-like greed, and Korah-like rebellion highlight the peril of infiltrators twisting the faith. Don't follow the crowd into darkness. Stand for truth, pursue justice, and bless Israel. In this, we realize the prophetic unity in Messiah.

May the L-rd bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). Shalom.