Yesterday I wrote a post about Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein speaking in Chicago this weekend. Yesterday, phones were ringing and boards were conferring over whether to keep Rabbi Wallerstein’s speaking engagements in light of controversial language and opinions he expressed in a videotaped shiur. As of now, three of his speaking engagements in Skokie have been cancelled. One replacement engagement was added at a local girl’s high school. I respect each institution’s right to make their own decision on the matter. Below is the text of Rabbi Wallerstein’s apology distributed to The Associated Talmud Torahs board:
“I am not a racist, nor have I ever been.
As the Mishna in Pirkei Avos ( Perek 3 Mishna 18) says
Beloved is man for he was created in the Image of GOD. It is indicative of a greater love for it was made known to him that he was created in GODs image, as it is said: “For in the image of GOD He made man”.
For the statements , comments and ideas conveyed in the shuir that can be taken as racist I humbly apologize. They were never intended in that way, they were meant in jest and purely to add some levity to the lecture.
In no way do these comments reflect my true feelings.
To anyone that found it offensive I truly do apologize. In the future I will be more conscience of my words
Zecharia Wallerstein”
I will let Rabbi Wallerstein’s apology stand on its own without further comment.
What I will say, is that Chicago is a warm and inviting community. Rabbi Wallerstein will be a guest here this weekend, and I trust that he will be shown hachnasas orchim and kindness by all of us. Just because I don’t agree with someone’s opinions on a particular issue, doesn’t mean that I condemn them as a person. Rabbi Wallerstein is not coming to Chicago to talk about Zumba or pop music, he is coming because of his expertise as an educator and someone who works with kids at risk.
I’ve heard that Rabbi Wallerstein has taken a lot of heat in his own community for his views on shaking up the Jewish educational system. It’s his willingness to go against popular opinion that makes him both an innovator and an instigator. Let’s be dan lachaf zechus and hear his messages this weekend with an open mind and the respect owed to a fellow human being.
