Thank You Mel Gibson
Copyright Rabbi Eli Hecht
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Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion” reminds me of the following story.
Once, before the Passover holiday, a young baby girl had been found murdered on the side of the road. The Anti-Semites claimed the Jews had killed the baby in order to use her Christian blood for baking holiday matzos. Upon hearing the reports a pogrom was planned and all the Jews were threatened.
The village Jews ran to the synagogue and prayed before the Holy Ark. They knew that only a miracle would save them.
A Jewish beggar appeared. “Brothers – sisters!” he yelled. “We have a miracle, may the Almighty be praised, the murdered baby was Jewish!” The village people breathed a sigh of relief. Yes indeed the blood libel of Jews using Christian blood for baking the holiday matzos was now over.
Who cares if “The Passion” is correct? Believe it or not it’s an old story of Jews being killed.
In the Gibson movie the bad guys killed a rabbi. If you think that’s bad then think of what has transpired since that time, think six million.
According to Roger Ebert, a syndicated movie critic, “The film is the most violent I have ever seen.” He goes on to report that a NC-17 would have been automatic. Ebert claims that he was an altar boy serving on Friday nights in Lent so he is no stranger to the story. It seems that he has mixed feelings about the films message. Maybe, the gruesome scenes of suffering are to teach that hatred causes more sins and suffering but I don’t think so.
Strangely enough Dr. James Dobson, the Director of Focus on the Family, wants every child to see this movie. I wonder why. If a film has so much violence and bloodshed shouldn’t we be a bit more prudent. If adults get a mixed message I can’t imagine what the kids will think.
Even more bizarre was an E-mail advertisement I received from Amazon.com, which read “As someone who has purchased related items, we thought you might like to know that Newmarket Films and Icon Productions present the Passion of the Christ, starring James Caviezel as Jesus and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene. Directed by Academy Award winner Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ opens Wednesday, February 25, and Amazon.com Movie Showtimes has all the showtimes and locations in your area.” I wonder what possessed the Amazon people to recommend that I see this film.
Is there a Gibson conspiracy theory here?
If suffering moves and shakes you, if you shed tears for hurt, then look to the Bible and remember this. Before organized religion there was an old man called Noah. He was out to save the world. His mission to mankind was to unite the world, making it a safe place to live. He set forth a universal plan known as the Noachide Laws. They dealt with adultery, idolatry, blasphemy, theft, murder, acts of cruelty, and the obligation of courts of justice for mankind. If all religions followed these seven simple rules then this world would be a safe and wonderful place to live.
So I thank you Mr. Gibson for bringing a powerful message; the need of a universal Noachide religion that embraces and reaches all cultures and people that would end all suffering.
Enough said – Dayenu.