Recently, my wife's employer gifted her a Jewish book on education. The premise is simple: people submit questions to a Rabbi, who then imparts his Rabbinic wisdom and gives answers that will dictate how Jews "should" live their lives (Not all Jews follow every Rabbi. Each person finds a Rabbi that's best for them). A few friends browsing the book stumbled across a question they felt would interest me. They weren’t wrong.
The question centered on cap guns. On the surface, this seems uncomplicated, but the answer sums up the uphill battle I’ve faced over the last eight years regarding gun rights and gun ownership in the Jewish community.
No disrespect to the Rabbi who answered the question. He is well-sought out for his knowledge and it pains me to have to write this rebuttal; but I would be doing our community a disservice for not speaking out against this way of thinking. (A way of thinking that could get people hurt or killed.)
While the original question is on cap guns, the whole answer speaks to gun ownership at large. Just quickly! If the Rabbi answered the question with a simple New York law prohibits the ownership of cap guns, so I recommend you not giving them to your child, I'd be ok with that (although not agree with the stance).
The question at the center of this debate:
CAP GUNS:
With the weather getting warmer, my boys' friends have started playing outside. Many of them have cap guns and snap guns. Apparently, they are sold in local Judaica stores, even though I'm told they are illegal in New York state!
I grew up in a place where these toys were popular, and I know firsthand of many accidents. However, I do not want to overreact and withhold an appropriate activity from my boys.
What is Rabbi Bender's opinion on these? Should they be avoided due to the risk and/or legal prohibition?"
The answer:
"I speak about this all the time. I never allowed any gun in my house, even a water gun. I maintain that it is bad chinuch [Jewish education]. Add to that the safety and legal concerns, and there is no question whatsoever. Guns and gun play are not for Yidden [Yiddish word for Jew]. Period."
Excuse me? Guns are not for Jews. Yo, Tony Simon, can I get a 2A4E shirt sent to this Rabbi?
This way of thinking is the exact battle I’ve fought since the inception of The Pew Pew Jew --a brand that promotes safe and responsible gun ownership, especially in the Jewish world. This Rabbi not only plays with fire, but is entirely wrong. Let me explain.
First, a question. Rabbi Bender, how do you propose or expect Jews to defend themselves? The most obvious answer to that, not involving guns, would be for more government protection. Let's journey back 85 years and remember that the last time Jews put their faith in government. That same government we entrusted to protect us, was the same government that murdered 6 million of us.
What about turning solely to God? We can’t ignore the the murder and mayhem continuing to plague the Jewish people as they pray and learn.
If you want to curb antisemitism, the only course is to allow Jews to protect themselves. Make those perpetrating the crimes understand that we will not live in fear of being attacked and we will defend ourselves. The only way to do that is by purchasing, owning, training with firearms. Guns save lives.
But your "period" point, as you call it, "Guns and gunplay are not for Yidden."
I want to ask you this, Rabbi, if guns are not for Yidden, how do you explain the countless battles that Jews fought since Avraham fought the kings? Did Jews not own weapons or train with them?
So, I ask Rabbi Bender this question: When did we become sheep? What happened to our David vs. Goliath mentality?
Jews are warriors throughout history. The Torah is full of stories of Jews who were willing to take up arms against those that hate and condemn.
Let’s do a quick refresher on the Jewish battles and heroes from the Torah:
- Abraham fought off four kingdoms with 318 men and was victorious.
- The Jews fought the Amalakites and were victorious.
- The campaigns of Joshua (Battle of Jericho).
- The Maccabee Revolt ended with a massive Jewish victory.
- The heroic Sampson.
- Ehud Ben Gera
- Mordechai and Esther
Those are just a few examples, and there are so many more.
How can you tell Jews that guns are not for them when firearms are the primary tool used to protect ourselves and the loved ones we hold dear? This way of thinking leads many American Jews believe that crimes committed in the name of antisemitism are unthinkable and will not, CANNOT happen to them. They never expect a gunman to storm their synagogue. They don't expect to be ambushed on the streets and shot, stabbed, or beaten. But it happens and it happens often.
I have four kids of my own. My three older ones shoot with me , but, more importantly, they are trained on how to handle firearms properly. They are trained in the cardinal rules of firearms safety. This education is invaluable!
Yes, firearms can be dangerous, but when handled with care and used properly, they can be a source of saving lives.
The blanket statement "Guns Are Not For Jews. Period," has dire consequences for those who listen to you for advice.
I think, Rabbi, you should reconsider your stance on firearms. I invite you to talk to someone who not only owns and trains with guns, but also works with them regularly. In fact, I would be happy to fly you out to my neighborhood, so we can have a serious conversation about the Torah and self-defense. I’ll talk you to the range, and introduce you to what thousands of Jews across America call their Hishtadlus (doing your part).
As an Orthodox Jew in the firearms industry, I write children's books on firearms safety and Second Amendment education. I train Jews to defend themselves. I inspire Jews not to live like sheep. I encourage Jews to think about their loved ones and to protect them if the need arises.
Being anti-gun goes against everything we believe as Jews -- especially when what we believe about firearms comes from the Torah.