Slavery in Judaism

Reader comment on item: The Evil Isn't Islam

Submitted by Bob Sherman (United States), Oct 4, 2002 at 14:34

Re. the statement "Five hundred years ago, Jews, Chrislians and Muslims agreed that owning slaves was acceptable", etc.:

CORRECTION: Slavery in Judaism was never acceptable. The Toral allows the practice of indentured servants, but slavery is prohibited. And any Jew that has possibly practiced slavery has committed a grevious sin. Another thought: The Jews celebrate the release from slavery on Passover, and then approve the enslaving of other people? If there are any doubts about what I have written, please check it out with a Rabbi.

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Daniel Pipes replies:

Jewish leaders and thinkers in the U.S. South did not condemn slavery any more than did their Christian counterparts.

DP