The underlying factor in all of history refers to both race and religion. Rabbi Matthew’s reading expands that idea even further. Until the 30s, Jews were considered their own race, but just like everything else here in the US, it split into White Jews and Black Jews. This split was caused by White Jews claiming that being a Jew was hard enough and they didn’t need the social and economic challenges that came along with being associated with Black people. I find that utterly disgusting. Matthew’s words on how the Bible indicates no race was phenomenal. At the time, people claimed to be so holy but still continued to discriminate towards any type of demographic that was a minority. It’s disgusting. Matthew just made me remember how disgraceful American history is to me. Like, don’t claim to be so for God and then hate on God’s people.