The late Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks used to often quote the idea, that "people respect Jews who respect their Judaism".
Seeing the packed Congress with hundreds of elected representatives and leaders of this country from both sides of the aisle, giving repeated standing ovations, to the messages and words of the elected leader of Israel who spoke out about the attacks of Oct 7th, antisemitism and the unique relationship that exists between Israel and the US people, was something that brought home this idea in a very powerful way.
Politics aside, delivering the message as it is, and being willing to stand by these timeless facts and values, is something that most people in this country respect and appreciate.
Being proud of the heritage of thousands of years, and what our faith is all about, is something that we can and need to project with courage and confidence.
Of course, there will always be some naysayers, including from some who would rather Jews keep a lower profile, and don't speak with such courage and Chutzpah to the world, yet ultimately, pride of what we stand for, combined with a humility and a sense of purpose in who we are, are ingredients that are a part of the staying power of the Jewish people and need to be an integral part of who we are and how we live.
Yet again this week, I was approached by non Jewish people, who spoke to us with such passion, empathy and strength, about why they stand by our side during these times, and how they are so upset at the scenes that have played out even this week in this country, in addition to what has happened in Israel.
One gentleman told us how a few years ago, he went with his wife to Auschwitz to see for himself the evil that had occurred. As he spoke to us about that trip and what he feels about Israel and the Jewish people today, we watched the tears roll down his cheek.
The world is indeed a place that is full of beautiful people, humans who are all made in the image of G-d, who care and appreciate for what is right, and we are grateful to live in a country, where so many are mindful of that message and the responsibility that comes along with this. These same people are all out there telling us, "don't hide, and don't cower, instead hold your heads up high, be thankful for all that you represent and continue to give to humanity, and be proud of who you are and how you live".
These are messages I am hearing on a weekly basis from people I have never met before in my life.
Courage and strength in who you are and living up to your values, are not what separate people from each other, instead these are often the factors, that bring us all together and cause people to respect one another.
Tomorrow we read the story of the daughters of Tzelaphchad, who argued and begged to have a portion of the Land of Israel, as they too wanted to have a part in this holy mission. Their strength and voice, is one that elicits a new set of rules from G-D in which new laws are given, to enable them to receive land and a piece of Israel.
The sages point out that, that they weren't simply another set of complainers and grumblers, rather they came from a very genuine place of connecting and wanting to be a part of the mission of the Jewish people. Even more so, they were considered extremely righteous and special, and ultimately, because this is the place they were coming from, their request was respected and ends up happening.
Having the courage to stand tall and strong, and doing it with humility and in a sincere manner, are things that are not always easy to balance right. Yet at the same time, this is what Judaism calls for us to do, so that the way we live, is genuine, unapologetic, and full of courage, joy and meaning.
With prayers for the continued unique friendship and shared values of this great country and Israel, the eternal homeland of the Jewish people, and together, may we be able to confidently march forward and accomplish good for all humanity, and of course help bring peace to the Holy Land.
Good Shabbos & Shabbat Shalom
Yisroel