To live as a Jew isn't easy. It's not a secret; no matter where you are, there's a target on your back. Living with this kind of angst isn't easy and can drain you of a desire to live Jewishly. For our children, this challenge is even more significant. Many of them have grown up without ever being confronted by this horror, and the new reality we all now face threatens to drive them away from actively participating in Jewish life. How do we face this threat head-on?
The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, V'eschanan. The Torah continues telling us about Moshe's last speech to the Jewish people before his death and their entrance to the land of Israel. Moshe pauses from telling them how to live Jewishly by observing the Torah and Mitzvot and begins telling them why we must live Jewishly and why our mission is essential to the world. To highlight our relationship with our creator and channel the divine presence into our world through every action we take. This remains our raison d'etre, our why.
To maintain our Jewish identity in today's climate and grow stronger rather than weaker from the adversity we face, we must share not only the what of Judaism but the why of Jewish life. This is the only way to overcome fear and find joy despite our obstacles.
As I prepare to celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem, I am reminded of the why of the Jewish people. No matter what the world may say about the dangers we face, the Jewish people, and especially the people of Israel, are living and loving even more than before. The overwhelming feeling of faith in G-d and faith in each other is inspiring and can only be explained as a testament to the unique relationship with Hashem we have cherished over thousands of years.
Now is the time to remind ourselves not only what makes us unique but also why and how essential this mission is in the face of the incredible darkness surrounding us. Tonight, as I stand at the Kotel, I will pray for you and your families, our people, and our homeland. I will pray for true peace, lasting peace for all people everywhere. Then I will dance joyfully, knowing that G-d has placed me here on earth to be a light unto nations, and I feel honored to do so in spite of the target it may put on my back. I hope you'll join me in dancing and spreading the joy of Jewish life.
Mission: Learn the what of Jewish life and the why, and start living Jewish joyfully!