Gábor Balázs

University of Jewish Studies, Budapest

Prof. Gábor Balázs serves as Rector of the Jewish Theological Seminary – University of Jewish Studies (OR-ZSE) in Budapest. He holds a Ph.D. in Jewish Philosophy from Bar-Ilan University (Israel). His research focuses on the intersections of morality, politics, and religion, with particular emphasis on contemporary Jewish identity and philosophical interpretations of the Hebrew Bible. He is currently collaborating with fellow scholars on a new Hungarian translation of the Torah, accompanied by a contemporary commentary.

Last Updated: October 28, 2026

Articles by Author

Sodom’s Collective Punishment—Shall the Judge of All the Earth Not Do Justice?

Abraham challenges God’s plan to destroy Sodom with two distinct arguments: the innocent must not suffer alongside the guilty, and a righteous minority should suffice to spare an entire city. Why does Abraham stop at ten innocents? Can collective punishment ever be just? The Rabbis sharpen Abraham’s critique of divine justice. Yet the story’s implications extend beyond whether perfect justice is attainable: God chose Abraham to teach his descendants righteousness and justice, even when it means challenging God.

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