D'var Torah

We are all focused on the events of the past three months in Israel and Gaza. We continue to do everything we can to help the many victims of this conflict and the many whose lives are threatened. Click here for ways to give and here to join the TRS members helping set up for this week’s demonstration supporting the hostages on the National Mall.

One more danger that is equally urgent is the hardening of hearts on both sides. Pharaoh’s heart is hardened in our Torah portion, and it leads to the ten plagues enshrined in the Passover Haggadah. In her important D’var Torah last Shabbat evening, Rabbi Schwartzman called on leaders in Israel, and on us at home, not to let our hearts become hardened to the humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians. (View here at 46 min.)

At the beginning of the Book of Exodus the story of the Israelites’ enslavement begins with the words, “A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.” This is one of my favorite verses in all of Torah, because it reminds us that our ability to maintain open and flexible hearts is dependent on the relationships we nurture.

I was inspired to read this week (Haaretz, January 14) what happened at a Palestinian restaurant in New York City that was never quiet about its desire for its people’s self-determination. Its owner was surprised and hurt when a sudden flurry of internet conversation cast him as antisemitic. There were death threats, bomb threats, and calls for a boycott. But many of his Jewish customers, who knew and loved his restaurant, expressed their support. His response was to open his doors wider by hosting a free Shabbat dinner, including kosher meals for observant Jews who want to be part of this peace-building event. He is expecting 600 people to chant Hebrew blessings and break bread next week in his restaurant. There will be Jews and Palestinians sitting together at this Shabbat table, and it could have gone the other way.

Over the last three months, meals I have shared one-on-one with Muslim leaders have illustrated for me this same truth. Before each meal, I will admit to being nervous that the animosity between our two religious groups in this moment would be a barrier to returning to the ease I have always felt with these individuals. I am thankful that what proved more important was the trust we have built through time spent together in restaurants, homes, each other's places of worship, community service events, and even arguments we have had about Israel and Palestine that have helped us understand and appreciate each other’s positions. To my great relief, that trust was still there, and I left these meetings filled with renewed hope.

Even as Israelis and Palestinians continue to be at war, and even as we hold our Israeli partners close, we can and must preserve these relationships. This is the only way to stay connected to our larger community at home and play a constructive role in the future towards a more peaceful situation in Israel and Palestine.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Jeff Saxe