At a time when we Jews are facing some great challenges in a tumultuous world, we need to know who we are and for what we stand.  Yes, the rise in antisemitism has us all concerned, but it is especially at a time like this that we need to affirm what we are really about as Jews, and what we bring to the world that is sorely lacking.

I think first about our emphasis upon what we call G’melut Chassadim—acts of loving kindness.  Yes, our religion seeks that we live with kindness in our hearts, and that we do acts of kindness and retain those qualities of heart that are the divine stake in each of us. 
     

I think of Judaism’s affirmation of God, even as we embrace a god whom we can neither know nor understand, even as we know that true godliness has everything to do with morality and kindness and bringing light where there is moral darkness.
    

And I think of Judaism’s belief about the future.  Still we dare to speak and envision what we call a “Messianic Era,” a time when goodness, justice and peace will prevail in our world.
    

And something else that matters very much to me, and to so many of us.  To know and appreciate that Israel has always had a central place in Jewish life and thought, and that we are both historically and spiritually connected to that land and our fellow Jews for whom Israel is a cherished home.  And if given the
opportunity, what a great blessing Israel might continue to be for much of our world.  Yes, in spite of the world’s accusations against Israel, I so much admire Israel and its people as they have striven to remain human and humane under the worst circumstances.
    

Yes, I believe that we are inheritors of a precious heritage that places so much value upon each and every human life.  May we know that we Jews are needed in this world as we embody hope for a better time for all people.  Ma Tov Chelkenu---“how great is our portion.”  Yes, I believe that it’s a great gift to have been born
a Jew.
 

Wishing you Shabbat Shalom with the hope that you will join us for our Shabbat service this evening.
Rabbi David Greenberg