On Tuesday, in
response to the racist killings in Charleston, SC, a
wide spectrum of 13 Jewish organizations called for this Shabbat to be a
Shabbat of solidarity with the African-American community and reflection on
the role of racism in society. Besides raising
awareness, one action suggestion is to reach out to local AME churches with
expressions and demonstrations of support.
We don’t often see these groups coordinate – let alone agree – on anything.
Yet here were all of the denominations
and major Jewish groups making a statement about the dignity of man and the
need for respect for all people regardless of race, color, or religion. (Halevai, there could be similar unified sentiments
and calls to action for internal Jewish issues!)
Especially
in the Orthodox community, we don’t pay enough attention to how we relate to
the outside, non-Jewish world. The days
of collaboration with the African-American community on civil rights is a thing of the
past. Everyone has moved on. We should think about issues like racism,
discrimination, and hatred and what we can do to better our country every now
and then.
In that
spirit, let me share two things. One
story, and one Torah teaching.
Earlier this
week, my wife was reading a children’s book about Rosa Parks with our 7-year
old daughter. Young Rosa is pushed by a
little white boy, whose mother then yells at Rosa. My daughter didn’t understand why the boy’s
mother should be so angry if it was the boy who started it. Naama explained it was because Rosa had black
skin. My daughter responded, “Why does
that matter?”
Maybe, with
the right encouragement and guidance, the future holds some promise for
eliminating hatred.
Rabbi Aharon
Lichtenstein has a Hebrew essay on the subject of the Jews’ relationship with
the non-Jew. In a very direct manner, he
states that both Jews and non-Jews have a mission to serve God. Jews and non-Jews are all called to live
lives of purpose and mission. Our
missions (and mitzvot) may differ, but Jews need to realize that we don’t have
a monopoly on holiness or sanctity. Rav
Lichtenstein asks whether we think about this enough in how relate to non-Jews
and our responsibilities toward them.
I know I don’t
think about this all that often.
I thank the
united Jewish community for declaring a Solidarity Shabbat. At least, it got me thinking.
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