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During my brief time in Israel last month as part of a rabbinic solidarity mission, several people with whom we met shared a version of the following message: “Thank you for coming; your presence here means more than we can express, especially as we know you are now battling a second front of this war in the States.” They were referring, of course, to the explosion of virulent expressions of antisemitism now rampant on college campuses, in city streets across the country, on social media, and among a few organizations whose mission is – or at least was – to advocate for the civil equality, justice and inclusion of citizens (e.g. individuals of color and/or who identify as LGBTQIA+) whose rights have historically been, and in many instances still are, treated with disregard.

For many in the Jewish community, an undeniable source of added upset and disappointment over the past 3+ months has been the manner in which a few entities purported to represent these voices and issues – causes for which the Jewish community has advocated and boldly marched, organizations with whom we have tried to be supportive allies – wasted no time in publicly cheering the terrorist actions of Hamas and directing their focus, energy and publicity to the vilification of Israel and the Jewish people. How should we process this stinging betrayal? What are we to take away from this moment?

In an episode of his podcast “Identity/Crisis” that aired a month or so after 10/7, Rabbi Yehuda Kertzer addressed this very challenge that so many American Jews have been wrestling with during what is now the past 97 days. I have turned to the essence of Rabbi Kertzer’s counsel in numerous conversations:  Countless among us in the progressive Jewish world have internalized the mitzvah of tikkun olam, the commandment to repair the world and to leave it better than the way we found it, as a core principle of our Jewish identity. Historically, building alliances with others already engaged in related efforts has been both an efficacious way to make a difference as well as a demonstration of solidarity. However, as with friendships, Kertzer notes, alliances can also unravel to the point that maintaining them is no longer in our best interest. So, we move on, without regret, acknowledging whatever good we helped to realize… and we identify new ways to support, lift up, and lean into our core values of inclusiveness and equality that will simultaneously affirm our uncompromising pride as Jews who stand unfailingly and unequivocally with Israel.  

This Shabbat, as in years past, we will demonstrate our commitment to the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a friend and ally of the Jewish people who preached peace, equality and unity among people of all races and religions. Through this year’s Shabbat evening commemoration of his life and work, Dr. King’s poignant and timely messages will be lifted up through the music of The Afro-Semitic Experience, whom we proudly welcome to our bima. Praised by Jewish communities throughout the country, this Black-Jewish ensemble will infuse some of our Shabbat prayers and liturgy with their jazz-informed vibe, offer some of Dr. King’s favorite hymns, and perform a few original pieces that encapsulate the shared hopes and aspirations of the Jewish and Black communities.

We hope to see you for Shabbat services tomorrow night on this MLK, Jr weekend as we continue to demonstrate our unwavering support and prayers for Israel as well as our equally unwavering commitment to create a community in which all are welcome and celebrated.