In the wake of the Squirrel Hill massacre Bari Weiss, who became Bat Mitzvah at the Tree of Life Congregation wrote in the New York Times:
“But Squirrel Hill, I am certain, will continue to live by the values that the Jews have sustained for more than 2,000 years. They can never be gunned down.” [For the full article, click here
Those values – welcoming the stranger, the mission of our local refugee resettlement efforts at our own JFS, and nationally through the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, aiding those in need, and living by values that are measured by integrity – are illustrated every week in our Torah reading.
This week we read of Jacob’s adventures -offering water to the flock tended by Rachel, attempting to deal well with his father-in-law Laban, and eventually leaving in accord after years of strife. We know that our ancestors struggled to do better, and we aim to emulate them not as perfect people but rather as fellow strivers.
The values that sustain us are the high ideals we aim for even as the world attempts to strike us down.
We stand together with Jews everywhere – in Pittsburgh, in Israel, and here in Western New York – knowing that the pursuit of justice sustains us in the face of all who wish us ill. Our strength is in our solidarity which we share with everyone who seeks to make our communities safer and better places for everyone.
Wishing all of you a good week, and a peaceful
Shabbat to come,
Jonathan