Posted on 08/30/2025 6:24:49 PM PDT by Rummyfan
We live in a moment when Jewish life in America feels more vulnerable than it has in decades. The threats are real, and we cannot outsource all responsibility for our safety. With that in mind, I want to offer a modest proposal:
First, we should drop the sneering rhetoric about guns. Too often, Jewish discourse is laced with derision for those who own guns or advocate for them. A little empathy, even if we disagree, is a Jewish value too.
Second, Jews should learn to shoot. Every Jew should go to the gun range at least once. You may never own a firearm, let alone carry one—but you should at least know what it feels like to handle one safely, to understand its power as well as its risks.
Third, Jewish organizations should consider providing training. On a voluntary basis, synagogues, schools, and Jewish nonprofits should give their staff and boards the opportunity to experience basic firearms safety at a gun range.
Fourth, we should be honest about the politics of gun control. For decades, many mainstream Jewish organizations have poured energy into advocating for gun control measures that have no realistic chance of passing.
Finally, circumstances should guide personal decisions. Whether to carry a firearm is not a question with a one-size-fits-all answer. Each of us must weigh our own risks, responsibilities, and comfort level. As for me, I’d like more training. Whether I’ll actually acquire a firearm, I haven’t decided. For now, the only thing I’m certain of is that pretending the question doesn’t matter is no longer an option.
(Excerpt) Read more at shootingnewsweekly.com ...
Covering my bets, I am a member of several pro-2A groups, including NRA.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.