I came down with the omicron variant about 10 days ago.

 

I came down with the omicron variant about 10 days ago. Thankfully, it was a mild case. It seems increasingly apparent that we will need to live with these variants for a long time. So many family members and people we know have it or have had it. The new normal?

Last weekend, once again, in this country, in Texas, another antisemitic act reminded us that the virus of antisemitism is still with us. Will it ever go away? Some Jewish organizations are talking about eradicating antisemitism for once and for all. Can that really be done?

Islamiphobia, too? Later this month JIDS, the local Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society will be addressing this. Check out JIDS.org.

In last week’s Parsha, after the liberation from slavery, we hear about Amalek attacking the Israelites. That same day a modern day Amalek attacked the shul. In ancient times, the Judge Samuel and King Saul tried to eradicate the Amalek king, Agag, and his followers. They thought they did but, while in prison Agag rapes a jail worker and though he is killed, nine months later she gives birth. This is the background of Haman the Agagite. The story, I believe, suggests that we cannot fully eradicate hatred and bigotry.

Like the virus and it’s variants, the question for me is, "how can we manage this reality of life?" How can we reduce the surge and channel the darkness into light? The evening after the taking of the hostages and their escape from harm I received a heartfelt email from a former Nazi who had converted to Judaism! TM Garrett had spoken a little more than two years ago at a gathering at our home about his journey to become a Jew. I quote from just the end of his letter to me.

“After a terrorist held the Rabbi and three congregation members hostage at the Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, TX on January 15th 2022, I felt thrown back to that day in 2019 (first Yom Kippur and first time wearing a kippah). And all I can think of now, is how many Jews will fear for their lives in the upcoming months, when they enter their local synagogue for Shabbat service. I will be one of them. And yet I will go!”

This Shabbat we are standing at Sinai once again to receive the Aseret HaDibrot, the Ten “Words”, or Ten Commandments. God is identified in the very first statement as the God who liberates. This is also the same God that MLK Jr knew so well. If we go down the list of Statements or Principles we are awed by how critical they are and how they have been transgressed. Tragically, we have a Party in Congress that has lost its moral compass. Perhaps we should hold Shabbat services on the Hill this week.

May we find the wisdom and courage in addressing the challenges that face us.

Reb David