Affirming the Image of God: Statement of Scholars of the Jewish Theology Project of the Elijah Interfaith Institute
In recent weeks there has been much public discussion of the extremist views found in Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira's book Torat Ha-Melekh and his treatment of sources relating to non-Jews in the halakhah (Jewish religious law). Many Rabbinical authorities have subsequently failed to condemn these teachings in theoretical and practical terms, leaving the impression that these are indeed appropriate contemporary Jewish attitudes to non-Jews.
For this reason, we, rabbis, teachers and scholars of Jewish studies of various disciplines, religious denominations and political perspectives, from different countries worldwide, have come together to express with a united voice our deep disdain for these extremist teachings, and our recognition that the core issue they raise must be given priority in Jewish education and thought. Our view is that Jewish teaching involves more than merely citing texts, whether in or out of context. Teaching and the art of halakhic ruling always reflect a broader religious worldview, guided by core values. In our understanding, the creation of humanity in God’s image is the great principle, as our sages recognized (Sifra Qedoshim 4; Mishnah Avot 3:14), which we believe demands full respect for the infinite value, equality and uniqueness of every human life. Our Torah’s ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:17). These and other great principles are the guidelines through which we interpret and teach our tradition.
We recognize that there are voices in our tradition that have lost sight of these great principles, because of the unspeakable suffering that our people have undergone throughout history. It is, therefore, a contemporary educational and halakhic challenge to confront these extremist teachings, to contain them, and to dissent from them publicly, applying the methods of halakhah, classical interpretation and historical study.
We have been working together on a project of developing a contemporary Jewish approach to other religions that would inspire a broader view of Judaism, its ethical task and its vision for humanity. Accordingly, we call upon rabbis and educators to take a clear stand against narrow particularistic interpretations of Jewish values, in favor of a broader vision of Judaism's relations to the other, keeping in mind that "The Lord is good to all, and His compassion extends to all His creatures." (Psalm 145:9).
A fuller version of this statement along with additional resources that critique Rabbi Shapira’s book and provide alternative sources on the subject can be found here 
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