What are We Willing to Do to Plant Seeds of Hope

 Dear Friends,


As we approach the Jewish New Year of the Trees, Tu'B'Shevat next week, I wanted to share some thoughts about recent events.  Living in the Washington DC area and teaching at George Mason University, I encounter many people who are concerned about whether they are safe, whether their grants will be continued, whether their efforts to build a more peaceful world will be funded, whether they will have a job, and whether they will be able to stay in the United States.  We hear reports about a plan for Americans to take over Gaza and turn it into the "Rivieria of the Middle East."

As we read Biblical texts that deal with the Exodus from Egypt in our weekly Torah readings at this time of the year, we remember that we were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt.  We endured plague after plague and in each case Pharaoh hardened his heart.  Our ancestors continued to have hope that there would be a better world and finally were able to escape and journey toward the promised land.  But when they reached the Red Sea (Sea of Reeds), they had to take the first step into the murky waters and didn't know what would lie ahead.  Are we prepared to take steps forward to advocate and work for those principles in which we believe?

n a discussion about Jewish sources on immigration in My Jewish Learning.com,

"Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, whose eloquent teachings on the intersection between traditional Jewish thought and contemporary attitudes, commented on the notion that those who journey to foreign lands to seek freedom often become the most ardent and patriotic: “When the need arises, the nomad stands up and fights for his freedom and many a time proves superior in battle to the settled king.”"

In a world where there are intense discussions about immigration policy, funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion, the role of a national department of education,  where transgender athletes can compete,  the future of Gaza, and many other issues, I believe it is a moral imperative to stand up and have meaningful discussions which facilitate honest dialogue.  I am worried that we are suffering from the plague of too many good people sitting quietly and not expressing their thoughts and feelings about issues which are important for all of us.

If we are to fill the world with growth and experience  blossoming trees,  we must speak out about those issues that are important for us.  Recently I attended a concert at the Kennedy Center here in DC where there was a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's dream.  I was moved and hopeful because close to one thousand people (there could have been more;  I am not good at estimating crowds) lifted their voices in song  in hope with the words, "Peace Begins with Us."  I hope and pray that the iconic words "we shall overcome" which we also sang will remind us to not be apathetic and will inspire us to want to make a difference.

In our world, I hope that as we remember that our ancestors took risks and planted for a brighter future for us, that we will take risks, stand up and plant seeds of hope for our children.  

Shalom, Salaam, Peace,

Rabbi Bruce Aft







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