by Ram ben Ze'ev (Conservative Values)
In today’s world, social media has become a powerful tool for communication, connection, and the sharing of ideas. Yet, it has also become a platform where public ridicule and mockery often reign unchecked. Within the Jewish community, there is growing concern over the proliferation of memes, jokes, and derogatory comments that target individuals — often those who are already suffering or experiencing hardship. This behaviour is troubling not only because of the harm it causes to those on the receiving end, but also because it contradicts fundamental Jewish values.
The recent increase in such behaviour on social media reflects a larger societal trend, but for the Jewish people, it should raise particular alarm. Jewish tradition, rooted in Torah and Halakhah (הלכה), places a high value on compassion, respect for human dignity, and humility before G-D’s judgment. When we mock or ridicule others, especially those whom G-D may already be judging, we step into dangerous territory. This is an area where our faith and trust in G-D (ביטחון) calls us to a higher moral standard.
Understanding Psalm 69: Divine Judgment and Human Restraint
In Tehillim (תהלים) 69:27-29, King David cries out against those who persecute and mock the afflicted. He says, "For they persecute those You have struck, and they talk about the pain of those You have felled." David’s plea points to a fundamental truth: it is deeply wrong to add insult to the injury of those already suffering, particularly when that suffering is perceived to be part of G-D’s divine plan.
This message has a profound relevance to our modern age. Just as David condemns those who ridicule the afflicted, we too must be wary of mocking or belittling others, especially when they are enduring hardship. Whether these individuals are experiencing personal challenges, public disgrace, or divine judgment, our tradition teaches us that it is not our place to further their suffering. Instead, we are called to practice restraint and empathy.
Public Ridicule and the Erosion of Compassion
On social media, it has become disturbingly common for people to share memes or post comments that mock others in moments of vulnerability. These public displays of ridicule often target those who have been judged, either by society or, in some cases, by G-D. Such behaviour, though seemingly harmless to some, is a grave moral failing. The ease with which we can share a meme or post a comment hides the profound spiritual implications of our actions.
In Pirkei Avot (פרקי אבות) 3:15, Rabbi Elazar HaKappar teaches, "The one who causes another person to blush in public, it is as though he shed blood." This teaching highlights the severity of humiliating others, especially in a public forum. When we post or share content that ridicules others, we are not merely participating in a light-hearted joke — we are engaging in an act of emotional and spiritual violence. In the Jewish tradition, public humiliation is akin to murder because it kills the dignity and spirit of the person being mocked.
Halakhic Perspectives: Guarding Our Speech and Actions
The importance of guarding our speech is a core tenet of Jewish law. Lashon Hara (לשון הרע) — evil speech — is a grave sin in Judaism, and it encompasses not only speaking ill of others but also mocking, deriding, or causing embarrassment. The Chafetz Chaim (חפץ חיים), in his seminal work on Shmirat HaLashon (שמירת הלשון), emphasises the destructive power of words, especially when spoken in public or spread through gossip.
Social media is, in many ways, a modern extension of this concept. Sharing a post, creating a meme, or commenting in a way that ridicules someone spreads harm far beyond the initial audience. It amplifies the effects of lashon hara (לשון הרע) and can lead to widespread public shame. The Rambam (רמבם), Maimonides, also cautions us in Hilchot De'ot (הלכות דעות) 7:5 to avoid behaviours that cause embarrassment or pain to others. When we engage in online ridicule, we violate this critical Halakhic principle.
Moreover, Halakhah (הלכה) recognises the importance of avoiding malbin panim (מלבין פנים) — causing public humiliation. In Bava Metzia (בבא מציעא) 58b, the Talmud teaches that shaming someone in public is a sin so severe that it is likened to killing them. The Talmud goes on to say that even if a person is guilty of a crime, public humiliation is not a permissible form of punishment. Thus, even when someone has made a mistake, or is perceived to be under divine judgment, it is not our role to mock them or add to their suffering.
Empathy, Not Judgment
It is important to recognise that each individual is made b’tzelem Elokim (בצלם אלקים) — in the image of G-D. This understanding should guide our actions and remind us that every human being, regardless of their current circumstances, deserves dignity and respect. In moments when we are tempted to join the chorus of ridicule, we should reflect on our role as humble servants of G-D’s will, not as judges over others.
The Torah teaches us in Vayikra (ויקרא) 19:18, "You shall love your fellow as yourself." This commandment, famously cited by Rabbi Akiva as the great principle of the Torah, challenges us to approach others with empathy and kindness, even when they have faltered. Publicly ridiculing someone, especially on social media, is a failure to live up to this fundamental mitzvah.
A Call to the Jewish Community
In light of these teachings, it is time for a renewed commitment within the Jewish community to reject the culture of public ridicule. Whether on social media or in person, we must resist the temptation to mock, scorn, or belittle others — especially those who are already suffering or being judged. Instead, we should strive to embody the values of compassion, empathy, and humility that are at the heart of our tradition.
Just as David lamented the cruelty of those who added to the pain of the afflicted, we too must be mindful of our role in either alleviating or exacerbating the suffering of others. Our words and actions matter, and as Jews, we are called to be a light unto the nations, modelling behaviour that reflects the values of Torah.
In an era where public ridicule can spread with the click of a button, it is more important than ever for the Jewish community to uphold the principles of Divine judgment and human restraint. We are reminded that it is not our place to mock those who may already be experiencing hardship or divine correction. Rather, our role is to offer compassion, empathy, and dignity to all. As we navigate the complexities of modern communication, let us remain rooted in the timeless wisdom of our tradition, guarding our speech and lifting up those who are vulnerable, rather than tearing them down.
May we all merit to see the good in others and act with the kindness and humility that G-D has commanded us.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue
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