Blog

First permit me to begin with a definition. I do not think that defining Judaism as a religion is sufficient, as it is too limiting. We have a language (more than one if you include Yiddish and Ladino), a culture, arts, literature, music, foods and a country. To borrow from Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan, we are a religious civilization, and one of the longest, constant ones in the history of humanity. Our daily lives are infused with aspects of Judaism in what we eat, our prayer, our rituals, what we read and study and so forth. Yet reflecting back upon our 4,000- year history, some might suggest that we are defined by trauma.  If one were to go back a mere one hundred years, we can cite the Holocaust, October 27, and the unending wars that Israel continues to fight combined with the horrific outburst of antisemitism. Where is the joy? Are we doomed to continue to be the scapegoat for the world’s problems? There is an old Jewish joke that declares “if Jews did not exist, antisemites would have to invent them so they would have someone to foist their rage upon”.

It would be easy to just give in and give up, as the energy to fight the constant barrage is exhausting. I get it, for I too go through times of exhaustion. But then comes the beauty of Judaism, the parts that we have not sufficiently celebrated and shared with the world. Meeting with a young couple about to get married is so uplifting, as their nervousness mixes with this beautiful blushing from the bride-to-be. The groundbreaking ceremony was an historic rejection of antisemitism and a victory of good over evil. The warm glow of lit Shabbat candles, the gulp of wine, the deliciousness of challah and an uninterrupted family meal every Friday evening is a magnificent way to end the week. The camaraderie of the L’Chayim Club, as well as the sweetness of the scotch, is joyous. The unending sounds of laughter when we gather after Shabbat morning services for Kiddush permeates the room. The gratitude in the tears of a congregant whom I have visited in the hospital, held their hands and recited the Misheberach for healing, strikes my core. The infant wailing during a Brit milah or baby naming is ear piercing yet joyous as we welcome another into the tribe. The pride in the face of a B’nai Mitzvah and their parents as they have concluded the Haftarah is infectious and reaffirming. This is Judaism. We are a civilization of joy.

I will not cower in a cave under my home like my ancestors did in Spain for fear of the Inquisition. I will proudly display my lit Chanukiah on my windowsill. I will not shake in terror wondering if the police will protect me, for they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my safety. But I will continue to attend safety classes and briefings, to be prepared for both myself and my congregation as best as I can. I will continue to speak up and out where appropriate, as there are far too few voices calling for kindness, moral behavior, and the command in Leviticus to “love your neighbor as yourself”. In a world seemingly lacking a moral compass, a rudderless vessel passing from storm to storm, Judaism is the solution, not the problem that the antisemites insist. Their solutions are H speech, rage, terror and violence. Ours are the complete antithesis. Some may suggest “But Rabbi, this time it’s different”. Every tragic part of our history was accompanied by that statement.  Yet Am Yisrael Chai, the Jewish people lives, thrives, contributes positively to the good of society, and strives to make this world a better place.  Don’t let the day’s news get you down. Hold your head high as a link in a four-thousand-year-old religious civilization. Be proud. Be Jewish.