Thread by @ZoharAtkins

Antisemitism through a #lomdus (scholastic) lens:

Questions to consider:
Does the identity of the speaker matter?
Does the context in which it is uttered matter?
Does it matter who supports or opposes the statement and the speaker?
Is antisemitism a function of the statement, (i.e. cheftza) or the speaker's intention (gavra)

What's the practical consequence (nafka mina) of calling something antisemitic?
Are there exceptional cases when antisemitism is justifiably nidcheh (pushed aside, ignored) because of a higher value?

Is antisemitism a matter of theological heresy (avodah zarah) or is it simply a matter of being a mean person (derech eretz), or is it a matter of damages (nezikin).

When is an antisemitic sentiment such as "the Israelites are a stiffnecked people?" justified? I.e., can a prophet or Jewish leader invoke a trope that nobody else can or should?

Is it a mitzvah to prevent or condemn antisemitism or just a matir (permisable, but not in need of a bracha/blessing)?

When, if ever, could it be a mitzvah to ignore rather than respond to antisemitism?

Is there an obligation to contextualize antisemitism, or, l'hefech, an obligation not to--to see all antisemitism as a kind of cosmic force, part of the galus edom that is the modern condition?

When, if ever, is antisemitism a matter of p'sik reisha (the person can't say something antisemitic w/o hating Jews) or davar she'ayno miskaven: the antisemite in question is against something else, say, a policy that benefits many Jews, but not anti- Jewish people as such.

When, if ever, is philosemitism antisemitic, or at least as dangerous as antisemitism?

Can one quote Torah or wisdom in the name of an anti-semite? When and when not?

Is antisemitism an error in thought, or a failure to properly regulate, direct, and understand one's emotion?

Is there even such a thing as antisemitism or is the term a misnomer at best and at worst a continuation of the problematic trope of the Semite?

When is antisemitism just envy or psychological duress masquerading as a principle or an ideology?

Is devoting time to these questions a kiddush hashem (sanctifying God and God's people), a fulfillment of yagdil Torah v'yadir (showing Torah to be relevant) or a distraction (davar chitzoni)?

THREAD on antisemitism discourse analysis*