Rabbi Adrienne and I first met at Temple Micah years ago when we shared the High Holidays there in Lawrenceville, NJ. It was wonderful to see her again at the United for Security Emergency Leadership Mission in Washington, D.C., last week. Our smiles show the joy of reconnecting, but they also mask the urgent issues facing the American Jewish community. This is a time for us to come together, setting aside denominational differences, and recognizing that we are all part of the larger community of Am Yisrael. This national fly-in was to advocate on the Hill for increased funding for security and a commitment to
With Congressman Brendan Boyle
fighting Antisemitism.
We hope our advocacy efforts helped Congress and the Senate understand the unacceptable risks to our community and encouraged them to take action to protect us from those who mean us harm.
I am reeling from the attacks on my fellow Jews here in the United States. I struggle to understand the apparent fight against anti-Semitism by targeting institutions like Harvard, which seems to provoke a backlash. It appears that Jew-hatred has been normalized enough for these miscreants to heed the words that sanction violent acts. Recent horrific attacks on Jews leave us wondering if we are safe. What should we do?
LEAN IN
I take pride in my heritage, the values of my tradition, and the prophetic call to make the world a better place. I connect with people who share my beliefs, and I also reach out to those who do not. I stand up for what I believe and engage in conversation with others.
I will proudly defend my identity, including that of an American who upholds the aspirations of our founding documents and the struggle for equality, justice, and liberty.
Now is not the time to cower in fear but to realize that many others are like me, seeking a safe and secure world for our children, believing in something greater than myself, and understanding that the “other” is not a threat; they are just someone I have yet to know. It can be scary and difficult to do.
I attend my synagogue. If you haven’t done so recently, now is a great time to find community. And there are so many causes that demand our attention, for our charge is to make the world a better place. It is more important than ever to fulfill our mission. There is strength in numbers, and besides our Jewish community, we have many allies.
I am a Jew; I am an American. I fight for the causes I believe in because they are righteous and good. Join me and Lean In.
It’s deeply embedded in our understanding of the system.
“You have the right to remain silent; anything you say can and will be used against you…” Many of us can even repeat the words quoted at every arrest and in every cop show we watch on TV.
Miranda was somewhat of a lowlife. He confessed to rape, but that conviction was overturned because the Supreme Court determined his confession was improper. Miranda was tried without his confession and subsequently convicted.
Protection from self-incrimination is regarded as a fundamental right under our principle of innocent until proven guilty. This right is enshrined in the 5th Amendment, which explicitly safeguards individuals against self-incrimination. Additional protections also exist, including the right to counsel and due process as established in the 6th and 14th Amendments, respectively. It is the responsibility of the government to prove guilt, not the obligation of the defendant to prove innocence. This distinction makes our system unique and enviable.
We are willing to let a guilty person go free rather than wrongfully convict an innocent individual. This means that sometimes bad guys “get away with it” because we want to protect the innocent. The system is flawed and abused. However, this sets us apart from many other legal systems and is the envy of the free world, limiting the government’s power from steamrolling over whoever it decides to target. These rights were denied to Abrego Garcia when he was abruptly taken to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador.
It is not that Abrego Garcia is a good guy or a bad guy. He has never had access to the protections our system offers. Bring him back into the legal system for proper adjudication. Present the evidence, make the arguments, and let the chips fall where they may. We cannot risk the implications of denying Abrego Garcia his rights; we could only ask, Who’s Next?
As we gather around the Seder table, we find ourselves in a moment that feels uniquely challenging. While previous generations have confronted serious issues, the current landscape is unlike anything we’ve encountered in recent memory. The ongoing war is relentless, with no end in sight and no plan for what follows. Hostages remain trapped, seemingly without hope for redemption. Furthermore, we are witnessing a rise in anti-Israel sentiment, along with a resurgence of Antisemitism not just abroad but right here in the United States. Fear and anxiety permeate our lives, and rather than coming together to confront these threats, we often find ourselves at odds with each other. This moment in time is fraught with tension.
However, we have the power to respond constructively, with unity and compassion.
By gathering at the Seder table, we embody the spirit of inclusion with our declaration: “Whoever is hungry, come and eat!” This Passover, our hunger for spiritual and emotional support is palpable. Let us set aside our differences to share and celebrate the profound story of our people’s redemption, recognizing that each of us connects to this narrative in our own distinctive way. Our tradition highlights four individuals asking different questions—a reflection of our diverse perspectives. We ought to welcome one another, fostering an environment of understanding even amidst spirited discussions. The Shalom Bayit, the peace of the Seder table, and our unity must prevail. Now, more than ever, we need each other. This Passover, let us cherish our time with family and community, share the powerful story of redemption and freedom, and be grateful that we have one another in these trying times.
The end of World War 2 came at a significant human cost. Eisenhower continued to bomb cities in Germany so that the Germans knew with certainty they had lost. Not one, but two atomic bombs were dropped on Japanese cities, unleashing their death and destruction. And yet many did not put down their arms. 5,000 Japanese soldiers refused to surrender at the war’s conclusion, remaining loyal to their oath to the Emperor, the deeply ingrained values of Bushido, emphasis on honor, and self-sacrifice at their core.
There may be invaluable lessons from the Japanese fighters who held out even after the war ended when dealing with Hamas.
To understand the fighters loyal to Hamas, we must understand the profound philosophical, existential commitment to the idea of fighting to regain the land perceived as stolen. Leaders with bona fides that these Hamas fighters will respect must arise and offer a different path forward. This can initiate a process where, eventually, those committed to Israel’s obliteration will be overcome by those committed to a peace wherein both sides live in safety and security, side by side.
The sheer brutality of the current war in Gaza would, under normal circumstances, make any leader want to stop the suffering of the people and compromise in the name of peace. However, Hamas is not normal circumstances. The human suffering they use in the service of their ideology is perfectly acceptable to them and is, in point of fact, one of the weapons they have employed in dealing with the Palestinians and the hostages.
Similarly, the hatred on the Israeli side of the equation is equally brutal. The invasion of October 7 was viscerally felt as an existential moment. Hatred and the desire for revenge only build with the cynical bargaining chip that is the hostages. As those lives hang in the balance, Israelis must also find courageous leaders to lead their people to peace.
One of the few things made clear is the current situation is a meat grinder consuming human victims with impunity. This is morally and ethically reprehensible. Moderating voices must arise to quell this war machine and find a better path forward.
There will be those who see victory only as the destruction and capitulation of the enemy. It is an unrealistic goal. The price is astronomically high in lives lost and is ultimately unachievable. These ideologues and zealots must be marginalized. It may take generations for this view of the world to fade away, and only with perseverance and strength can we support those seeking a way forward that can permit a peaceful coexistence to form.
A colleague shared ideas in a forum, ending with the words “unrepentantly Zionist and Politically Incorrect.”
He proudly resisted, and while I value his essential work and support as a rabbi, I wonder if he, like many of us, is “throwing the baby out with the bathwater.” Now is the time for nuance, to stand up for our core values, and to eliminate much of the noise that makes those values challenging to embrace. Backlash often lacks focus; now, focus on our values is needed more than ever.
I am a Zionist. But my Zionism is a belief in identity and rights to a safe and secure place to call one’s own. It is precisely my Zionism that compels me to understand this same need for the Palestinian people. Both are true; I must accept the other to validate the one. Before railing against this, let me reiterate that this modern Zionism is premised on both people having the right to safety and security. That requires people to be committed to peaceful coexistence, which requires serious and difficult compromises from each side.
Another colleague, friend, and teacher commented on the so-called Black Lives Matter movement. He is appalled by their alliance with radical pro-Palestinian groups that are also anti-Israel. I agree that they have betrayed their righteous cause of equality under the law. This is another instance where a core idea is co-opted, diluted, and ultimately betrayed by those with different political agendas. However, we cannot allow these individuals to deter us from our core belief in equality for everyone and our commitment to working with others to realize the promise of our nation’s founding principles.
Navigating through the fog is a significant challenge, but it is what we are trained to do. Our tradition of Makhloket l’Shem Shamayim, argument for the sake of Heaven, revolves around how our values are understood when tested under various circumstances. This is precisely the challenge we face today. Whether we agree with our government’s current policies and procedures is an essential but separate conversation; how these impact our cherished beliefs should be our focus. Our fundamental values of caring, including feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, housing the homeless, and caring for the widow and orphan, are constantly threatened, now evermore so. Therefore, the need to champion our beliefs has never been more crucial.
Color shot of a vintage draughts or checkers board game.
On the checkboard of foreign policy, we are careening to a terrible end.
Hamas’ delay of the planned hostage release this week, combined with the horrible physical condition of the returned hostages, outraged Trump to set a Saturday deadline for the return of all hostages or else. Netanyahu, already under internal pressure, has now threatened the resumption of brutal war in Gaza. This leaves two options for Hamas: capitulate to the threats or defy them. Defiance likely would be killing some or all of the hostages.
Although Hamas does not respect human life, sending the message of defiance is the only opportunity to demonstrate resilience and, in the opinions of many, victory. The hostages and the Palestinians will be readily sacrificed in the name of ideology.
This is a dangerous game, ultimately without winners, only losers. Hopefully, leaders will step forward to pull back from the precipice. This requires courage, a bold vision for moving forward, and the support of countries genuinely interested in peace.
Trump’s politicization of the plane crash in D.C., blaming it on Biden’s DEI policies, is not only unfounded but also a poor demonstration of what it means to be Commander in Chief. His remarks have insulted the men and women of the Armed Forces, and his anti-trans military ideology is equally counterproductive. Those serving our nation train under demanding standards, earning their positions daily. Despite the antics, those who wear the uniform continue to serve. There is an important lesson we must recognize.
Those who wear the uniform take an oath to the Constitution, not to an individual. So, despite the incompetency, they respect a chain of command in service to something greater than themselves and not the whims of a person in power. This ability to remain clear-headed in the fog that has been created is something we can all learn from.
Proud, courageous, and selfless individuals serve our nation. They look beyond the obstacles in their path toward a larger, more significant goal. Their leadership and commitment inspire us and serve as examples for everyone. Even in uncertain times like these, we can see past the immediate chaos and continue championing our cherished core values.
Knowing who we are and the values we believe in is the first part of a critical two-step process. The second step is knowing what you will do to realize them.
Sadly, we have grown accustomed to thinking we have done our part by voicing our opinions in public spaces. We have also shifted responsibility to the government without demanding accountability. However, only by engaging in the work can our opinions become a constructive force.
If you believe in feeding the hungry, for example, giving to a food bank in both time and money will help bring food to those in need. Advocating for them by reaching out to those in power over the public funds is another. Merely Saying you are against hunger on social media is a hollow gesture and a waste of time.
Decide what issues are significant enough that you will engage. Most of us only have enough time to work on one or maybe two. But in focusing and doing the work, you become a change agent. We are empowered to champion the values we believe in only if we are willing to commit in tangible ways to them.
With Donald Trump entering the second day of his term, many of us are beside ourselves with worry that modern democratic civilization is ending. We have many causes for alarm, but Elon Musk’s emotional gesture at a Trump victory lap rally inauguration event isn’t one. Remember his jumping exuberantly on the stage – it might be just that again.
As a teacher of mine once remarked, “If you are a hammer, then everything appears to be a nail.” We do ourselves and our values a great disservice if we interpret everything as an attack. This is a call for calm. Many political battles will be fought over the direction and policies of this country. However, we will become exhausted if we treat everything as a cause for alarm, and we will lose credibility when the time for serious debates arises.
Rabbi Adrienne and I first met at Temple Micah years ago when we shared the High Holidays there in Lawrenceville, NJ. It was wonderful to see her again at the United for Security Emergency Leadership Mission in Washington, D.C., last week. Our smiles show the joy of reconnecting, but they also mask the urgent issues facing the American Jewish community. This is a time for us to come together, setting aside denominational differences, and recognizing that we are all part of the larger community of Am Yisrael. This national fly-in was to advocate on the Hill for increased funding for security and a commitment to
