Marshall Breger, a professor at Catholic Law, recently published an op-ed in Moment magazine's Fall issue titled "The Tyranny of Unity." In his piece, Breger explores the calls for Jewish unity following the tragic October 7 Hamas massacre, critically examining how such demands can sometimes function as tools of exclusion.

He observes:

"Calls for unity often serve as enforcement mechanisms, policing the boundaries of a movement and marginalizing dissenting viewpoints. They dictate who qualifies as a 'real Jew' and who is dismissed as 'fake' or even 'self-hating.' By asserting principles that one must adhere to in order to belong to a belief system, such unity efforts frequently purge dissenters—especially those closest to the prevailing orthodoxy. History offers parallels: the Bolsheviks despised the Mensheviks more than the old Russian regime, and the MAGA movement reserves its harshest criticism for establishment conservatives labeled as RINOs (Republican in Name Only)."

Breger further delves into the distinction between Judaism as a religion and as a conception of peoplehood. He notes that articles of faith are central for those who see Judaism through a religious lens, with each branch defining its own set of beliefs, whether rigid or flexible. However, he points out that many Jews, especially younger generations, approach Judaism less as a religion and more as a sense of shared peoplehood. For these individuals, a rigid, exclusionary perspective risks alienation. Instead, Breger advocates for a broader, more inclusive view.

In addressing the idea of peoplehood, Breger argues for criteria that embrace both subjective and objective dimensions, encompassing the widest possible range of experiences and identities. He draws on the wisdom of 20th-century German Jewish philosopher Franz Rosenzweig, who in a 1920 letter to Eduard Strauss about encouraging Jewish learning, urged inclusivity: "Nothing Jewish is alien to me."

Breger, who teaches Administrative Law, statutory interpretation, and legal issues related to the Middle East peace process at the Catholic Law, will also lead a seminar on Free Speech this spring.

You can read his full article here.