What’s the Torah’s View on Liberalism?
"Liberal values" — as used in the modern West — include things like freedom of expression, tolerance, gender equality, personal autonomy, and non-judgmentalism. These ideals sound noble. But Torah Judaism does not judge ideals based on feelings or trends. It judges based on emes — truth that comes from Hashem.
Let’s go one by one.
1. Freedom of Expression vs. Lashon Hara
Liberalism says: “Say whatever you want — it’s your right.”
The Torah says: “Guard your tongue.” There are laws of lashon hara, rechilus, motzi shem ra, onaas devarim — speech is powerful and dangerous. The Chofetz Chaim zt”l writes that the destruction of the Second Beis HaMikdash came from misused words.
“Life and death are in the hands of the tongue” (Mishlei 18:21)
In Torah, speech is sacred, not free.
2. Tolerance for All Lifestyles vs. Kedushah
Liberalism teaches that all lifestyles are equally valid — including those explicitly forbidden by the Torah, such as toeivah, intermarriage, or chillul Shabbos.
But the Torah says:
“You shall be holy, for I, Hashem your G-d, am holy.” (Vayikra 19:2)
Kedushah means boundaries — not everything is allowed. Not everything is holy. The Torah differentiates between right and wrong, pure and impure, permitted and forbidden. That is not intolerance. That is Divine instruction.
“The seal of Hashem is emes” (Shabbos 55a)
3. Gender Equality vs. Gender Identity
Liberal values often push the erasure of gender differences — and today, even the erasure of gender altogether.
Torah says male and female are different, and beautifully so. Men and women have different roles, different mitzvos, different strengths. This isn’t “discrimination.” It’s design.
“Male and female He created them” (Bereishis 1:27)
When roles are confused, chaos replaces holiness. That’s why Chazal forbid cross-dressing, and why modern ideologies that promote "gender fluidity" are antithetical to Torah.
4. Personal Autonomy vs. Kabbolas Ol
Liberalism says: “You do you.” Live however you feel. Follow your truth.
But Torah says: follow Hashem’s truth.
“Na’aseh v’nishma” — We will do and we will listen (Shemos 24:7) — is the Jewish credo.
Autonomy is not a Torah value when it’s used to justify violating halachah. We are not self-owned. We are avdei Hashem — servants of the Ribbono Shel Olam.
5. Non-Judgmentalism vs. Standing for Truth
Liberalism says: “Don’t judge anyone.”
The Torah also says not to judge unfairly — “b’tzedek tishpot” (Devarim 16:18) — but it demands moral clarity. The entire system of mitzvos, aveiros, reward and punishment is built on moral standards.
Chazal say:
“He who says Hashem overlooks sin — his life will be overlooked.” (Bava Kamma 50a)
There is no Torah without judgment — starting with oneself.
Torah vs. Liberalism: A Collision of Worldviews
It is not a coincidence that liberal societies often clash with Torah values.
- Shabbos observance is seen as restrictive.
- Standards of tznius are mocked as oppressive.
- Refusing to recognize forbidden relationships is called “bigotry.”
But Torah doesn’t move with the winds of the world. As Rav Elchonon Wasserman zt”l wrote:
“Torah is not an evolving idea. It is eternal wisdom — given at Sinai.” (Kovetz Maamarim)
But Isn’t the Torah Compassionate?
Absolutely! Torah is full of rachamim. We care for the convert, the orphan, the poor. We don’t hate people — even sinners. But we don’t validate sin.
“Love the sinner — not the sin.” (based on Rambam, Hilchos De’os 6:3)
True compassion is not letting someone do whatever they want. It’s guiding them toward truth.
Gedolim on Liberalism
Rav Shlomo Wolbe zt”l:
“The ‘freedom’ of today is slavery to the self. Torah frees the soul — not the ego.” (Alei Shur, Vol. 1)
Rav Aharon Feldman shlita:
“Liberalism, when it removes moral limits, becomes cruelty in the name of kindness.” (The Eye of the Storm)
Rav Avigdor Miller zt”l:
“Modern liberalism is the religion of hefker — no rules, no boundaries. That’s not love. That’s destruction.”
What’s Our Response?
- We don’t need to scream.
- We don’t need to hate.
- But we must not bend.
Torah is not liberal. Torah is not conservative. Torah is Divine.
As Chazal say:
“Kol ha'poseil, b'mumo poseil.” He who invalidates others is revealing his own flaws. (Kiddushin 70a)
The louder the world mocks Torah, the more we must strengthen our emunah, our families, and our pride in Hashem’s truth.
Sources and Footnotes:
- Bereishis 1:27 – Male and female He created them.
- Shemos 24:7 – Na’aseh v’nishma.
- Vayikra 19:2 – Kedoshim tihyu.
- Mishlei 18:21 – Life and death in the hands of the tongue.
- Shabbos 55a – Hashem’s seal is truth.
- Bava Basra 8b – Lashon hara destroys.
- Rambam, Hilchos De’os 6:3 – Love rebuke, hate sin.
- Rav Shlomo Wolbe, Alei Shur Vol. 1, on freedom vs. Torah.
- Rav Aharon Feldman, The Eye of the Storm, on modern ideologies.
- Rav Elchonon Wasserman, Kovetz Maamarim, on unchanging Torah.
- Rav Avigdor Miller, Rejoice O Youth and lectures on liberalism.