Juutalaiset ja me

The book opens a thoughtful examination of how Finnish society has treated its Jewish minority, tracing the roots of prejudice from medieval religious intolerance to early‑20th‑century public debates. It outlines the legal and cultural questions surrounding the community’s status, drawing on contemporary meetings, newspaper articles, and government petitions to show how antisemitic attitudes persisted despite broader reforms. By situating these issues within Finland’s own quest for modernization, the author invites listeners to consider whether genuine improvement is possible.

In the second part, the work turns to a close reading of Jewish religious texts, especially the Old Testament and the Talmud, to separate myth from meaning. It highlights the moral principles—such as the command to love one’s neighbour—that have shaped Western ethics, while also confronting passages that clash with modern sensibilities. The analysis offers a balanced perspective, encouraging a deeper understanding of Judaism’s cultural legacy without glossing over its complexities.