Temple Newsletter for March 8th, 2024

All of us are aware of the rise of antisemitism in our country and throughout the world. And the truth is that many of us are concerned about the hate that has been unleashed, in part because we’re not sure of how to fight it. Was that young woman overstating the reality when she commented: “I didn’t know that there were so many people who hate us.” Yes, we know that education can open some minds, as we are distressed by the widespread ignorance of so many, and by the silence of too many groups with whom we have stood and embraced their worthy causes. And we ask: “Why aren’t they with us as Israel is fighting not only for its existence, but fighting for the vision of all of us living in a civilized world. We Jews: We hear the cries of those Palestinians, perhaps too few in number, who know only too well that they have been oppressed by Hamas and that there is a better way of living. But I also hear the cries of the people of Israel, the people of which I am a proud part. Yes it’s true: The vast majority of the people of Israel want only to live in peace, and who now live in fear for lack of wise and courageous leaders—on both sides. Yes, we Jews have good reason to live these days with tears of sadness for the loss of so many precious Jewish lives and for those still held hostage. But also let us live with tears of deep pride in the humane values we embrace, and our historic resolve to fix this broken world to the degree possible. A song that our children learn in Religious School expresses our hope and vision for a better time for humanity: “Nation shall not take up sword against nation; nor shall they ever train for war.” Shabbat Shalom and my wish that we might all know peace.

Rabbi David Greenberg