Be More Jewish!

Recently archaeologists uncovered a 1300-year-old pendant depicting a seven-branch menorah. They found this small piece of jewelry at the foot of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount. According to historical records Jews were forbidden from entering Jerusalem since the days the Romans destroyed it. This discovery suggests Jews entered Jerusalem and at least, quietly proclaimed their Judaism even when it was prohibited.

Throughout the centuries we have defied historical circumstances. Amidst tragedy and persecutions, we have maintained our pride in being Jewish.

On Sunday, we awoke to news of the devastating antisemitic attack in Sydney, Australia.Another Jewish holiday is now darkened by terrorism.

Australia is home to the second largest number of Holocaust survivors, their children and grandchildren. They fled to Australia after the war because this was the farthest destination they could reach, and there they could feel distant from Europe’s travails. In Australia, they believed, they could escape the antisemitism that murdered their relatives.

Since October 7th, there has been increase in antisemitism incidents in Australia and throughout the world. The Australian community voiced concerns to the government, citing instances of harassment, and attacks emanating from hate-filled anti-Israel rallies. The response of politicians was often muted and most certainly lacked urgency. On Sunday, there were only two police officers stationed at Bondi Beach to protect a thousand Jews celebrating Hanukkah’s first night. Fifteen people were murdered. Forty people were injured. Twenty remain in the hospital.

The attackers were inspired by the Islamic State’s ideology that like that of Hamas mingles hatred against Western democracies with antisemitic venom. Watching the videos of the attack as the terrorists aimed and fired at Jewish worshippers is terrifying. It is difficult not to become fearful. It is impossible not to become filled with rage.

How does antisemitism continue to metastasize into murder? Why do so-called enlightened societies continue to tolerate such hatred?

As my teacher, Yehuda Kurtzer, counsels, antisemitism is not a Jewish problem. it is instead a problem for Muslims and Christians. Antisemitism remains our foremost concern. Our synagogues devote countless resources to security. It is estimated that the American Jewish community spends $800 million per year protecting its institutions. This should not be our concern alone. It is in truth a problem for others to address.

Ahmed al Ahmed understands this. This Australian Muslim tackled one of the attackers and disarmed him. His parents who recently emigrated from Syria and joined him in Australia were interviewed outside the hospital where Ahmed is recovering from his injuries. His father said, “My son is a hero. He has the impulse to protect people.” Ahmed understood the need to save his fellow citizens, to rescue fellow human beings.

In our darkest hours, there have always been righteous gentiles. Their numbers were few, but they manage to help brighten our hopes.

Chabad Rabbi Eli Schlanger was buried yesterday during the very holiday whose message he sought to magnify. Recently, he spoke about Hanukkah’s import and its meaning. He believed the festival of lights compels us to “be more Jewish, act more Jewish, and appear more Jewish.” Do we continue to wear our Jewish star necklaces? Do we continue to display our illuminated Hanukkah menorahs in our windows?

On Sunday evening my family traveled to BAM to hear Alex Edelman, a brilliant comedian. The show started late because of added security. There was a single NYC police car stationed outside. Edelman opened the show by lighting the Hanukkah menorah. As he lit the first candle, he led the three thousand attendees in the blessings. It seemed as if everyone was singing the blessings.

I doubt that was the case. I am going to hold on to that notion, nonetheless. Imagine if everyone affirmed the importance of Jewish traditions. Imagine if everyone affirmed the sanctity of Jewish lives.