I think you were right last week when you wrote that we need to become more open to the world, inclusive rather than exclusive, as Judaism has traditionally been. So we can tell our stories factually rather than inadvertently providing the space for Jew haters to tell false stories about us by defining who we are to the world, namely, as Israelis/jews are white, colonizers, Jews are an oppressive class (is there anything more ridiculous as a generalization?) etc.,etc. our speaking and being open without shame may work to dispel so much of the lies and falsehoods about us, even the ancient ones.
I am honored, Joshua, that you used my comment as your jumping off point. This post represents so beautifully the wisdom you share with the rest of us. I want to give you back some of the hope for the ‘future of Jewish’ that you have given me. A Jew-by-Choice, for the last 45 years I have been both volunteer and professional in several liberal synagogues as I followed grandchildren around the US and Canada. I try to live your Sacks quotes. I am not remarkable or atypical in doing so. I have two grown children. My daughter heads a Jewish day school, keeping 500 students and 100 staff safe and engaged through Covid and our present situation. My son has trained several Israeli surgeons and occasionally operates, pro bono, on patients sent to him from Israel. Their first cousin is a ‘lone soldier’, serving in a tank in Gaza. Both of my children are married to involved Jews. Each family has three children. All ten of my offspring have visited Israel, including a chunk of last summer there. Both my son and my firefighter son-in-law are on standby to volunteer as needed in Israel. Meanwhile, at home I write letters to politicians and university presidents, and I show up for as many Jewish events as I can fit in between ‘grandcare’ and volunteering. Canada’s federal government, sadly, has waffled, but our Vancouver and British Columbia governments have been steadfast in supporting the Jewish community since October 7th. The police department is on site at the day school every morning for drop-off and every afternoon for pick-up. Eight of my city’s rabbis just returned from delivering 22 duffle bags of supplies to soldiers and the displaced. Our local Federation has raised over 18 million dollars. The remarkable people of Israel fill us with awe, and we have their backs. Am Yisrael Chai!
Josh, the wonderful characteristics you attribute to Jews are attributable to others as well. What makes us unique is our special relationship with God, that he gave us the Torah when no one else would take it. That is why He sustains us through all troubles. Surely a person with your writing skills should be able to point this out without alienating anyone.
I literally wrote in this essay: “ After all, this is the original point of Judaism: to be God’s partners in incessantly improving the human condition and our world. God repeatedly told us, the Jewish People, that we are destined for greatness — as long as we remain committed to our covenant with God.”
I think you were right last week when you wrote that we need to become more open to the world, inclusive rather than exclusive, as Judaism has traditionally been. So we can tell our stories factually rather than inadvertently providing the space for Jew haters to tell false stories about us by defining who we are to the world, namely, as Israelis/jews are white, colonizers, Jews are an oppressive class (is there anything more ridiculous as a generalization?) etc.,etc. our speaking and being open without shame may work to dispel so much of the lies and falsehoods about us, even the ancient ones.
Good and hopeful article :-)
I am honored, Joshua, that you used my comment as your jumping off point. This post represents so beautifully the wisdom you share with the rest of us. I want to give you back some of the hope for the ‘future of Jewish’ that you have given me. A Jew-by-Choice, for the last 45 years I have been both volunteer and professional in several liberal synagogues as I followed grandchildren around the US and Canada. I try to live your Sacks quotes. I am not remarkable or atypical in doing so. I have two grown children. My daughter heads a Jewish day school, keeping 500 students and 100 staff safe and engaged through Covid and our present situation. My son has trained several Israeli surgeons and occasionally operates, pro bono, on patients sent to him from Israel. Their first cousin is a ‘lone soldier’, serving in a tank in Gaza. Both of my children are married to involved Jews. Each family has three children. All ten of my offspring have visited Israel, including a chunk of last summer there. Both my son and my firefighter son-in-law are on standby to volunteer as needed in Israel. Meanwhile, at home I write letters to politicians and university presidents, and I show up for as many Jewish events as I can fit in between ‘grandcare’ and volunteering. Canada’s federal government, sadly, has waffled, but our Vancouver and British Columbia governments have been steadfast in supporting the Jewish community since October 7th. The police department is on site at the day school every morning for drop-off and every afternoon for pick-up. Eight of my city’s rabbis just returned from delivering 22 duffle bags of supplies to soldiers and the displaced. Our local Federation has raised over 18 million dollars. The remarkable people of Israel fill us with awe, and we have their backs. Am Yisrael Chai!
You and your family are remarkable. I am overwhelmed with awe. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing Amy! You’re an inspiration ❤️
Apologies, Joshua. I should have said we have YOUR backs! Thanks for the kind words.
Why are you so afraid to talk about God?
Not sure what you mean by this?
Josh, the wonderful characteristics you attribute to Jews are attributable to others as well. What makes us unique is our special relationship with God, that he gave us the Torah when no one else would take it. That is why He sustains us through all troubles. Surely a person with your writing skills should be able to point this out without alienating anyone.
I literally wrote in this essay: “ After all, this is the original point of Judaism: to be God’s partners in incessantly improving the human condition and our world. God repeatedly told us, the Jewish People, that we are destined for greatness — as long as we remain committed to our covenant with God.”