In less than two weeks, the United States will face one of its most pivotal elections. The differences between the candidates—both in personality and policy—are stark, and unprecedented uncertainty looms over how the nation will react when the votes are counted. The peaceful transition of power, a hallmark of American democracy, can no longer be taken for granted.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, fundamental questions remain unanswered. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza continue without resolution, Israel remains locked in an ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, and the future of her response to Iranian missile threats is known only to a select few.
We find ourselves in a time of profound danger and unpredictability, where the voices of reason are drowned out by those advocating for hate and violence—not just in the U.S. and Israel, but around the world. Thomas Paine’s words from 1776 resonate now more than ever: “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
As Jews, we are all too familiar with existential threats. We have endured hellish times, faced calls for our annihilation, and encountered enemies determined to extinguish our existence. Yet, time and time again, we have defied the odds. Through faith, a shared sense of responsibility, moral reflection, and an enduring hope rooted in our traditions, we have not only survived but thrived.
It is imperative that we keep our resilience in mind as we muster the strength to resist those who seek to harm us. The battles we face today are not solely for our safety; they are also for our very souls. We must not allow the challenges before us to sever our connection to the values we have cherished for millennia—principles that distinguish us from our adversaries and connect us with each other. We uphold life over death, good over evil, and liberty over tyranny.
Together, we can confront and overcome our immediate threats while preserving our humanity and values. This is how we fulfill the biblical mandate to be a light unto the nations.
Shabbat shalom, and may this be the week the hostages return home
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