blogs/tcs

Since last Shabbat the terror imposed on us by others seems to be on the rise. But to give in to that fear allows those who hate, to triumph.  We must not let fear win.

Humans are emotional beings. We love and we hate, we hope and we fear. These emotions, however, are balanced by the capacity to reason, and through that to be connected to values of justice, compassion, and love.

In the book of Psalms the fears we feel are acknowledged, but the author of that timeless work teaches us that those emotions cannot determine who and what we are.

The Eternal is my light and my salvation

The Eternal is my strength, of whom shall I be afraid?

If the wicked - my enemies and foes - come upon me ...

Though an army rise against me, my heart will not tremble

Though war come, I will be confident.  (Psalm 27)

Our people have suffered under the hate of tyrants and the mob rule of fascists. We have known oppressors of every kind. Yet we never allowed the violence and hate of others to become what defines us.The message of Chanukah is that in a dark time  - when hope seems distant and fear grows - we have the capacity to be a light that shines for justice, righteousness, compassion and generosity.

The events which took place in Paris last week do not make me afraid. It does make me angry. More than that, it gives me the resolve to want to create a world where evil is opposed and those who might be attracted to such evil can be shown a way that is more noble and enriching. The answer to hate is not more hate. It is civility, decency, tolerance and respect.

We cannot deny our fear. What we can do is deny its power to paralyze or to define us. The greatest Jewish teachers teach that to be a Jew is to be strong and resolved, but it is also to be a "prisoner of hope" and champion of justice.

To close our minds or to close our borders is to give in to the terror

To live with fear is to give a victory to terror.

When God was prepared to destroy Sodom and Gemorrah, Abraham challenged that the good should not be wiped out with the evil. Let us be no less discriminating.

 "Though the multitudes set themselves against me, I will not be afraid."  (Psalm 3:6)