Why Be Jewish in a Time of Danger

This passage is a continuation of reflections on Jewish Identity. Panim Hadashot's theme for our High Holiday program is "Why Be Jewish?" Please go to www.panimhadashot.com to see the schedule.

The Rabbis make a distinction between temporal matters and eternal matters: Hayei Sha'ah and Hayei Olam Haba. These days of summer 2006 throw us back into the mode of Hayei Sha'ah. The war in Israel and Lebanon, the shooting at the Jewish federation here in Seattle consume our attention and our anxiety. Being concerned with Hayei Sha'ah is not bad, in fact it is necessary for survival. The state of 'hayei sha'ah' is a physical concern for safety and the fear of danger. I hear many people express fear for Israel's existence. I hear others talk about concern for their safety at a time of when anti-semitism and anti-Zionism appears to be much more widespread.

Leon Wieseltier writes that "Identity in bad times is not like identity in good times.... And those qualities of identity that seem vexing and impoverishing in good times-the soldierliness and the obsession with solidarity, the renunciation of individual development in the name of collective development, the reliance on symbolic action, the belief in the cruelty of the world and the eternity of struggle-are precisely the qualities that provide social and psychological foundations of resistance. For this reason it is impertinent to address the criticism of identity to those whose existence is threatened."

At times like these many Jews with uncertain identity or commitment find themselves returning to the Jewish people. Identity is awakened and a sense of purpose is found. "In every generation someone has arisen to destroy us." is a famous line from the Passover Haggadah. It is an old Jewish survival mechanism that turns hostility from outside into community on the inside.

As a rabbi and educator I personally have difficulty using this narrative to turn a Jew from a latent identity to an active and committed association with other Jews. I undertand its power and necessity. However, I remain convinced that Jewish identity is ultimately nourished by that aspect of Judaism that is Hayei Olam Haba-the eternal dimension of the Jewish teacihng and living. I resist relying on a negative definition of being Jewish. I seek a positive understanding of Judaism that inspires me to live its wisdom and also to sacrifice in its name. That is the reason for asking the question of "Why Be Jewish?" What is it that makes Judaism wise and enduring? How is it a precious legacy that is worth defending?

People are now dying on behalf of the Jewish people. Many are sacrificing their lives and their property to defend the right of the Jewish people to have a state. I support this sacrifice and participate in it. But my main focus is to help people in America to build a firmer foundation for what it means to be a Jew. This project is important even when the demands of the hour-Hayei Sha'ah-are so pressing.