Ep. 58: In Praise of a Stiff-Necked People

<p><strong>Discover how the history of Jewish resilience—summed up in the power of saying “no”—can help us better understand both modern anti-Semitism and the ongoing challenges facing the Jewish community today. Why does Jewish success often provoke new forms of hatred, and is there a deeper pattern to the ways in which Jews are scapegoated over time?</strong></p><p><br></p><p>In this Yom Kippur sermon episode, Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe draws from Dara Horn’s provocative work to explain why Jews are continually “a stiff-necked people,” resisting tyranny and dogma throughout the ages. Explore the origins of the “big lie,” its ever-shifting representations, and why the modern Jewish state faces echoing accusations that have haunted the Jewish people for millennia. Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe also introduces a powerful new curriculum designed to empower Jews of all ages to engage proudly and knowledgeably with their identity.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamped Overview</strong><br>00:00 Introduction and framing: Jewish resilience and challenges<br>00:53 The “stiff-necked people” and anti-tyrannical roots of Judaism<br>03:34 Historical refusals: From Babylon to the modern era<br>06:05 The cost and pride of saying “no”<br>07:07 The “big lie” and society’s shifting accusations<br>09:32 Modern analogues: Israel, identity, and scapegoating<br>10:40 Criticizing Israel vs. demonizing Jews<br>12:21 Anti-Zionism, anti-Semitism, and practical consequences<br>14:02 Yom Kippur’s scapegoat ritual and symbolism<br>16:00 Enduring narratives—from Augustine to today<br>17:16 Announcing the Tell Institute curriculum<br>18:18 Empowerment, education, and the enduring necessity of “no”<br>19:40 Outro and community connection</p>