Page 38 - Jewish News _August 2021_

38A August 2021 COMMENTARY

Why the Jews?

in one God, a belief to which antisem- Now, some might argue that since ed toward our people, we ask, once
ites reluctantly converted and which many Jews have abandoned their tra- again, that important question. We are
From they never ceased to resist. Antisemi- ditional faith, the antisemite has surely perplexed. But can it be that our an-
found other reasons to hate the Jews.
cestors were not so confused? Can it
tism is one form this resistance takes.
the Those who originated this burdensome But this presumes two things. First, be that we have forgotten what they
always knew? That to be a Jew means
religion, and yet resisted the version
that the antisemite is acting rational-
Bimah to which the Gentiles were converted, ly and is fully conscious of the deep- to carry a great responsibility, some
easily become the target of the resent-
may even call it a burden! That to be
seated hatred he/she has inherited. The
ment.” antisemite is neither rational nor con- a Jew means to represent, to witness to
Volumes have been written about scious about his/her Jew hatred. Sec- the one true God in the world, the God
Rabbi Ben Shull hatred of the Jews, offering social, po- ond, this presumes that we, the Jewish who demands a certain morality. Can it
Jewish Congregation of Venice litical and economic explanations, but people, can fully flee from our ancient be that we are people with a mission, a
dangerous mission, a vital mission, and
I believe that this religious/theological
covenant with God. Yes, many have
nd so we ask, “Why the Jews?” reason offers the most comprehensive tried, with some success, through con- we have forgotten the nature of that
It’s more than just a question. explanation. And in fact, our ancestors version and assimilation, but history mission?
AIt’s a lament. It’s a protest. It’s knew this to be true. shows us that our fate is linked with As we prepare once again for the
a cry of deep frustration. And yet, first During this month of Elul, when our mission, to be God’s representa- High Holy Days, let us ask ourselves
and foremost, it is still a question that we prepare for the Yamim Noraim, the tives in this world. not only, “Why are we Jews hated?,”
deserves an answer. “Why the Jews?” High Holy Days, let us never forget the “Why the Jews?” In the wake of let us ask ourselves, “For what purpose
Why are we the recipients of so much message of the Martyrology service a year in which we have witnessed an do we Jews live?”
oppression, so much hatred? on Yom Kippur, known in Hebrew as alarming rise in acts of hatred direct-
Dennis Prager and Joseph Telush- Ayleh Ezkarah (These we remember).
As we recall the martyrs of our people,
kin entitled their book on antisemitism those who chose death over renounc- Treat yourself
Why the Jews? (originally published
in 1983, with updated editions in 2003 vah during the time of the Hadrianic to something good
ing Judaism, like the great Rabbi Aki-
and 2016), and in a little more than
200 pages they attempt to answer that persecutions, we affirm that they died money to bring happiness in your life.
important question. They offer several “al kiddush hashem/for the sanctifica- We spend on travel, golf, manicures
reasons for antisemitism, all of which tion of God’s name.”
boil down to one essential point: Juda- Prager and Telushkin write, “... From and dinners out. If it makes you happy,
good. Zai gezunt. You should be happy.
ism is at the heart. By this they mean Jews have always regarded antisemi- I recommend you also spend on
that the Jewish people brought into the tism as a response, however immoral, the synagogue membership. I promise
world the belief that there is one God to Judaism. Thus, most Jews until the you, if you join my congregation, you
who expects people to behave ethi- modern era, and most religious Jews Bimah
cally, and for that we have been hated to this day, would describe Jews mur- will be greeted well, and find kind and
engaging people like you. You will
since time immemorial. They quote dered by antisemites not as victims of have a place to call home for the High
the late social psychologist, Ernest van ethnic prejudice, but as having died Holidays. You deserve this.
den Haag, “Fundamental to (antisemi- al kiddush hashem, that is, as martyrs Rabbi Brenner Glickman I hear some people say that they
tism)...though seldom explicit and con- sanctifying the name of God before the Temple Emanu-El
scious, is hostility to the Jewish belief world.” don’t belong to a congregation because
f you are thinking of joining a tem- they wouldn’t use it enough. But that
ple, I encourage you to go for it. makes no sense to me. If you just come

Whit
e supremacist
White supremacist IYou deserve it! Why shouldn’t you for the holidays, or have a rabbi to tend
to you in case you are ill or lose a loved
be happy?
groups Numerous studies have shown that one, isn’t that enough? Should I drop
groups are the single
most dangerous people who belong to congregations my car insurance because I don’t use
it enough?
live longer than people who do not (by
It is not like a gym membership.
domestic e xtremist 4-9 years, depending on the study). We If you pay for a gym membership that
domestic extremist
can all speculate on the reasons why.
threat to the nation. The bonds of friendship and socializa- you don’t use, some corporation gets
tion stimulate our lives, and the acts of
rich and you feel duped. If you pay
– “Homeland Threat Assessment,” meaning and mitzvot keep us energized for a synagogue membership that you
don’t use much, you are supporting
and young. I have seen it with my own
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OCTOBER 2020 eyes. People who join a congregation children’s education, food drives and
late in life find renewal and unexpected Jewish continuity. There is no risk.
happiness. They don’t just live longer; When it comes to feeling well and
they live better. doing good, you can’t beat a congrega-
I want this for you. tion. And if you can’t beat them, join
Think about all the ways you spend them. We are waiting for you.

Charlottesville, VA; August 2017 FED
Photo by Mykal McEldowney we are
What are we doing about it?

EDUCATION.

The Robert and Esther Heller Community Relations Committee takes Enriching Jewish Hearts
a firm stand against antisemitism. We use community resources and influence to
combat a rise in antisemitism and anti-Zionist sentiments, which often result in
aggressive acts and rhetoric against Jews. Through education, advocacy, and building
relationships with the greater community and law enforcement, together we can
combat hatred, bigotry, and harassment of Jews and other minorities.
our Federation strives to enrich Jewish hearts in our Sarasota-Manatee
For more information, visit JFEDSRQ.ORG/hellercrc Ycommunity — from life-changing trips to Israel for teens, community
leaders and mothers and fathers to our Shapiro Teen Engagement Program
(STEP) to Gulf Coast Hillel and much more.

jfedsrq.org jfedsrq.org • 941.371.4546