Limited interaction between people all too often produces an anxiety that descends ominously into prejudice and hate. Jewish history and festivals bear witnesses to the harm and tragedy caused by the simplistic generalizations of other people, cultures and religions. Purim and the Book of Esther are powerful examples of how stereotyping may lead to depravity and destruction. Haman portrays the Jews as a group that deliberately stands apart and does not conform to the religious and political policies of the country. The story of Passover documents Pharaohs phobia of a fifth column that endangers national security and his enslavement of the Jews.
Jewish history is a dismal record of the devastating effect of stereotyping and xenophobia.
Throughout the Bible, Jews are commanded to be sensitive to the stranger, to the poor, to the physically oppressed. Unfortunately, appellations which serve to divide people and denigrate ideologies are widely and casually accepted in our midst. There are too many all inclusive condemnations proclaimed by religious groups and political organizations. There are too many people splintering an already fragmented people. There is a clear need to break down the barriers and stereotypes between our own people and to rebuild deeply flawed relationships.