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The dictionary formally defines a hero as “a person with courage, one admired for his/her noble qualities and ideal acts.” In the context of our greater community, a Jewish hero is one who makes conscious decisions and sacrifices to ensure the strength of the Jewish people. Examples of Jewish heroes throughout history abound: great rabbinic sages, early Zionist pioneers, philanthropists, politicians, warriors and countless others whose courageous leadership have helped to ensure our continuity. 

Recognizing that Shabbat evening coincides with Christmas day this week, our list would surely be incomplete if we did not also acknowledge the many Jewish heroes throughout our people’s history who themselves have not been Jewish. We are unquestionably stronger for individuals, such as the Righteous of the Nations, whose commitment to justice led them to risk their own lives to save thousands of Jews during the Shoah, and for influential leaders throughout the past century whose faith and appreciation of history inspired their advocacy and continued support for Israel. 

Truthfully, though, we need not look beyond our own homes and Sinai community to find countless examples of noble individuals who regularly make sacrifices to help ensure Jewish continuity despite not being Jewish themselves. As the lights of Shabbat coincide with the lights of Christmas this week, I invite us all to lift up with appreciation all the non-Jewish parents in our congregation who made an incalculable sacrifice when they brought children into the world by agreeing to raise them as Jews, as well as the non-Jewish partners in our community who actively participate in and contribute to the vitality and support of Temple Sinai. Thank you all for helping to ensure the vitality and strength of the Jewish community as well as the continuity of the Jewish people – thank you for being Jewish heroes!