Notes About The Poem

Sad to say, this is the same Rabbi who was injured in the April, 2019 attack on the Chabad Poway, California synagogue. He received an abundance of support at that time, and even spoke at the United Nations.  

Mark Twain's Words I Choose

Sentenced to jail for running a multi-million dollar donation fraud
Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, feigning piety, abused congregants' trust in God

   I'll rely on Mark Twain, whose wise words I now choose
   As he pithily said, "Never judge Judaism by the Jews."
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Rodrigues Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 3:15 PM
Great quote and yes, unfortunately, the ones we can look up to can turn around and disappoint…the problem with looking for heroes and bible heroes were thus flawed too as we are hence we need a savior. I’m reading 2 Kings - King David the man after God’s own heart. God bless you, my friend!
Rodrigues Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 6:22 PM
Truly a sorry state of affairs, my friend. Hope I didn’t sound like I was excusing. Just awful.
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:31 PM
Every one is flawed, true. But I don't think that everyone is an out-and-out criminal like this so-called 'Rabbi.' What he's done disgusts me. He's violated one of the most basic trusts. (And I've been there, believe me. Someone in my congregation pulled the same stunt years ago on a small scale. And it hurt a lot of people big-time). anyway...
Brown Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 2:33 PM
Hi Gershon, I have seen over the years that some people put themselves in those positions so they can abuse their powers. Those who put themselves in power, such as priests, preachers, and so forth, will be judged harsher. When they stand before God. Nicely written. Debra
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:29 PM
You're right. Some lust for the power that the office gives them... I think that this particular guy simply has something wrong with his DNA, so to speak. ~ Lock him up
Bauer Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 2:17 PM
i didn't know about this, gershon, and i'm sad and angry to hear about it. a very interesting quote by mark twain (which i'd also never heard)...
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:26 PM
Utterly disgusting, isn't it, ilene? Who can you trust?
Kavanagh  Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 1:40 PM
Not trying to go one better Gershon, but some priests in my country Ireland raped children altar boys mainly, for countless years behind the guise of Catholicism, I admire your stance on corruption by these godless apparitions, I won’t judge a whole race on the acts of a few, cheers David
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:21 PM
You are the exception, David. Most will look at one crooked rabbi or priest and extrapolate to all of them. Thanks, gw
Krutsinger Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 11:27 AM
So sad when one person influences how others feel about a particular group of people. I always try to ACT like an older lady so I will not disappoint
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:20 PM
Hey, Caren: Check out John Lawless' monoku today (Jan. 05). I think it'll give you a chuckle. Smiles, Gershon
Lawless Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 10:15 AM
Hey, the used to ask "if you were arrested for being a christian would they have enough evidence to convict you?" Love the quote also
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:17 PM
Pretty funny comment there, John. Brings a wide smile to my face. Thanks, gw
Ball Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 8:11 AM
Hmmmm And never judge Christianity by the Christians you meet either. Why? Because we all are flawed. There was only one perfect Man ever made and we remember well what they did with Him. However in this case I think he was grabbing at straws trying to save face before the world. Sad. God Bless my friend, JB
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 1:07 PM
Yes, indeed. We are all flawed, for sure -- but not to the extent of Rabbi Goldstein, thank God. Not only did he steal large amounts of money, given to him by trusting congregants, but he did it in the guise of a 'Rabbi.' Sacrilege is a name that comes to mind for what the man did. :) gw
Mcintosh Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 3:15 AM
Sad. Sorrowful, God bless you always friend. Love, Gina
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 12:59 PM
Sad and sorrowful, indeed. Blessings to you, Gina. :) gw
Awtry Avatar
January 4, 2022 at 9:41 PM
This is so sad to hear. God isn’t finished with him. He is still writing his story. (I nearly choked on that Twain quote! True of Christianity as well)
Wolf Avatar
January 5, 2022 at 5:14 PM
Sad, sadder, saddest. When a clergyman makes a mockery of the trust placed in him, it doesn't get much worse. ~ Gershon
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