Re: Andrew Jackson

Lili Pauli (phenya@ccsg.tau.ac.il)
Sat, 27 Dec 1997 18:19:59 +0200

Steve Strake <sstrake@winklevoss.com>
<< Suppose I buy kosher food with a piece of paper that honors a person who
is guilty of genocide? Is the food still kosher? I am thinking specifically
of Andrew Jackson. Jackson's support of Indian removal led to the depletion
and near extermination of many tribes. Does the Halacha permit us to carry
certificates that honor mass murderers in our pockets? Is food purchased
with a $20 bill kosher?>>

First of all, let us look into the specific case of Andrew Jackson. His
intention was not to carry out genocide. His basic intention was to
transfer the Indians to a more open land - what we would possibly think of
as a reservation today. The way the soldiers transported them was inhumane
to say the least. I also don't condone Jackson's action.

How about a coin with Richard Wagner's image on it, or Nieche who were
Hiltler's favorites? Purchasing with such a coin will not make an Apple
unkosher but maybe one who is a "baal nefesh" should refrain from using
such a coin as much as possible. "Got two 10's for a 20?

With blessings,
Richard (Rachamim) Pauli