Over the past weeks, I’ve been reading numerous letters to the editors in various Jewish newspapers, all of them discussing the many ways we can combat antisemitism. While these ideas have merit, I feel it’s important to address a difficult truth — one that’s uncomfortable but necessary.
What I’m about to share might have been better coming from your rabbi or a community leader, but it’s time to speak up.
Throughout the Torah, God tells us repeatedly that when we follow the commandments, the world aligns in our favor. Especially in the land of Israel, when we live according to the mitzvot, the land flourishes, as we’ve seen over the last 80+ years. But God also warns us that when we stray from this path, the land will “spit us out,” reverting to desolation.
Outside of Israel, in galut, we are guests in the lands we reside. If we become too comfortable, feeling as though we control our destiny and surroundings, God has always found ways to wake us up. This isn’t new — it’s a recurring theme throughout history.
So what’s the solution? It’s not easy to hear, but it requires huge sacrifices from all of us. Many of us are deeply entrenched in the pursuit of wealth and material comforts. But the time has come for a paradigm shift — a return to basics, to the roots of our faith. We need to stop chasing the next vacation or luxury and start focusing on the essentials of Jewish life.
It begins with learning and living by the Code of Jewish Law, the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Instead of seeking loopholes, we should be striving to fulfill the mitzvot to the best of our ability. Yes, eating a “kosher” fish in a non-kosher restaurant is still eating non-kosher fish if they are preparing it and it’s not double wrapped…. (You get the idea). The rules are there for a reason and dismissing them only leads us further away from the solution.
The great sages have taught time and time again: When we fulfill our role, when we live as we are meant to, the rest of the world will follow suit, and antisemitism will diminish. Protests and politics may provide temporary relief, but they won’t win the battle. The real victory starts with us.
So, I urge you to take the first step. Buy a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch and start (re)learning the basic ABCs today. Together, we can create real change.
Wishing you all a healthy New Year, filled with spiritual growth and peace.
