On Friday, February 10, 2006 I was asked the following question:

Dear Rabbi Dan,

I am wondering if you know the origins of the phrase "righteous gentiles"? I have a feeling it is from the Torah, but I don't know.

This was my response:

I am not 100% certain but I believe that it is attributable to either Simon Wiesenthal or Stephen Spielberg. Regardless, however coined the term has created a designation for any person who stood up to the Nazis at grave risk to him/herself.

If you have questions about a personal matter, or jewish practices and customs, you can submit them to me by e-mail. I answer all queries directly, or through this column, when the question is informative to our community.

Thank you for your kind attention and this opportunity to share with you,
Rabbi Dan S. Wiko
Back to the list