Something Else We Can Do for Israel - And For Ourselves

I commend the OU, the RCA and the National Council of Young Israel for coming together so quickly and issuing a joint statement recommending that we engage in extra Torah study on Wednesday and Thursday (11/21 and 11/22) to create extra merit for the safety of Israel and its citizens. It's wonderful to see National Orthodox organizations coming together in a constructive manner on behalf of an important cause, and hopefully such cooperation can continue even after this crisis is over and Israel is safe.

I recommend that we all follow this suggestion and find ways to add additional Torah study to our daily schedule on Wednesday and Thursday - go to an additional shiur, listen to a class online, learn a sefer- a little bit more than what we normally do. The beneficiaries of such activities are not only those in Israel, but everyone that takes the time to commit to do something religiously meaningful on behalf of others.

Participating in this initiative is an opportunity to re-calibrate our relationship with Torah study. It also affords us the chance to confront our feelings about the relationship between religiously meaningful actions and their impact on the "real world" around us. It is an opportune time for each of to explore our own feelings on how we understand how Torah study and mitzvah performance in America can positively impact the situation in Israel.

I'm thinking that in addition to prayer and Torah study and charity (especially charity to support those impacted by the current situations - in Israel and post-Superstorm Sandy) we should consider committing to engaging in activities, specific to the situation at hand, that can create additional merit.
I propose that we start at our Shabbat tables this week.

In many communities Shabbat meals are shared with friends- both old ones and those whom we might have just met. Oftentimes the conversations turn to topics that people care about deeply. For some, it's politics. For others, it is often Jewish institutions, whether local, national, or international. Among parents of school aged children, the topic of conversation often turns to their experiences with the day schools that their children attend (or once attended, or plan to attend, or will never attend.)

Often times due to our passion and zeal for these institutions and and the investments that we make into these organizations, the conversations harp on our disappointments, even anger; sometimes the discourse turns to slander and rumor mongering.

This Shabbat (and from here on out) let uschange our attitudes and the discourse. We can do so in a way that stands in direct contrast to how our enemies in Gaza conduct themselves, thereby also creating merit for our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Hamas has no regard or use for the truth. They spew utter falsehoods and half truths as if there is no such thing as objective truth and everyone is entitled to their own facts.
In response let us avoid promulgating or perpetuating lies or rumors within our own communities. Let us remember the old adage that something that is 99% true is really 100% false. Let us remember how damaging rumors can be and that the prohibition of Lashon Hara applies even to those causes and institutions that we care deeply about. And the prohibition of Lashon Hara even applies if what we are saying is true.

Hamas, seeks to de-legitimize Israel and reject Israel's right to exist. 
In response, let us resolve not to de-legitimize our fellow Jews, even when we passionately disagree. Let us state our positions with respect and love, and listen to others (much harder for some of us) with similar respect and love. Let's remember that those who disagree with us may be seeking the same goals as us, but have different views on how to achieve them.

Hamas has utter disregard for human life. 
In response let us commit to valuing our fellow Jews, even those with whom we disagree. Let us never lose sight of the Tzelem Elokim in each of us, a perspective that is fundamental to our interactions with our fellow Jews, and the institutions within our Jewish community that we care about so deeply.

May these efforts transform our lives and communities for the better. And may the merit of that transformation serve as protection for Israel and her citizens.