For all of the world’s progress, hatred for the Jew is alive. The places and people who have helped us to have an illusion of comfort, have shown that there isn’t much substance to their words, they are just platitudes :(.
But here's the good news, Jewish unity is on the rise! Jews are coming together in a way we haven't seen in a long time. Jews are helping and learning from each other, regardless of their level of observance. Many are reaching out to learn more about their Jewish roots. "Secular" soldiers are singing "Mi Shemaamin Lo Mifached" - he who believes is not afraid. Around Israel there are signs "Byachad Ninatzeach", Together we will Prevail!
Locals who aren't regularly connected to their Jewishness, are getting more involved. Tefillin Club has tripled this past week and almost 500 candlesticks have been mailed out. Two popular teenage girls stopped in middle of "homecoming" to take a moment in front of many non-Jewish friends to light Shabbos candles. When I shared this with my cousin in Israel, two kids in her Hebrew School sent a picture thanking them! The stories of love and unity are endless.
So remember this: you might sometimes feel lonely, but you are never alone.
Think back to a long time ago, to our ancestors, Avraham and his wife Sarah. They were the only ones who believed in one Hashem. They had so much faith in this Hashem that they left their home and moved to Israel. They faced difficult times as there was a famine in the land. Hashem instructed them to go to Egypt. Along their journey, when people asked them about their beliefs, they shared their stories. Sadly, many people criticized them for their strong faith and trust in Hashem. Even though they were alone in their beliefs, they never felt truly lonely because Hashem was with them.
In a world where doubts were everywhere,
They kept going, facing ridicule and despair.
People whispered, "Your G-d won't see you through,"
No food, no help, they wondered what to do.
They stood alone as foreign in the land,
In a world that just couldn't understand,
But their unwavering faith kept them strong,
And they knew Hashem's light would right the wrong.
Their faith guided them through the dark night,
They faced challenges with all their might,
In this unknown world, with no clear guide,
Their unbreakable spirit, they never tried to hide.
Hashem took care of them just as He promised. When they left Egypt, they were rich with the blessings of Hashem. On their way back home, they revisited all the places they had previously traveled. In those places, they showed that Hashem was real, that He is the King of Israel, and that Hashem is one. They proved the critics wrong!
Yes, it can be lonely, but we are not alone! We must anchor ourselves in our belief in Hashem, in the truth of our mission of infusing the world with goodness and G-dliness, and in the eternality of our People. Now, we find ourselves in challenging times like Avraham and Sarah did. Let's unite together in following in their footsteps and let’s take positive actions to add in Mitzvos and good deeds. Positive, powerful actions in this world to actually shift the balance from negative to positive, from darkness to light.
Amen! Have a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman