Dear Friends,
In light of the ‘credible threat’ (cited by the FBI yesterday) against synagogues in New Jersey, we express our concern and support for the New Jersey Jewish community. We have been assured by the police and ADL that there is no threat to synagogues in Massachusetts. At the same time, we have been notified by the Brookline police that they are keeping a watchful eye on our community. We are grateful to the police for their attention. The security on our campus remains strong. Please call the synagogue office if you have any concerns.
In Parashat Lech Lecha this week, Lot, Abram’s relative, is attacked by a group of non Jewish kings. One could interpret this as the first example of antisemitism in Jewish history. Non-Jewish leaders were, and still are, envious and threatened by the Jews in their midst, and seek to do them harm. The leaders of a society inspire their people by example. Soon after the attack by the kings on Lot, we read of the people of Sodom also going after Lot. Unchecked bad behaviour by a leader creates a path for similar behaviour by their followers.
Since 2016, we have seen more and more of our political leaders repeat antisemitic tropes and attacks while in office or on the campaign trail. In the last months, we have seen an uptick in such comments from politicians and media stars. Many have refused to retract their comments, or apologize for them. One famous candidate, in 2016, chose not to immediately condemn white supremacists because, he said, "a lot of these people vote." The recent serious antisemitic tweets by a major media star have increased that musicians’ followers.
Antisemitic statements seem to have become a popular way to raise money and garner support for some far right (and far left) candidates and congresspeople. Regardless of one’s political views, we all need to condemn those within our government, or who wish to become our lawmakers, who espouse hatred or prejudice against Jews or any minority group in our country. Candidates or officials who frequent or gain support from white supremacist groups or social media sites need to be called out, and voted out. It has been heartening to see businesses drop their support of the media star because of his antisemitism.
Prejudice should have no authority, and gain no reward. Discrimination has no place in a democracy.
America is a multi faith, multi racial society. That is our national strength and one of our superpowers. Our other superpower is our democracy and democratic institutions. Both superpowers protect us as a Jewish community. Our precious freedom to vote can be used to strengthen both.
This Shabbat, may all synagogues in New Jersey and throughout America, be safe. May our democracy remain strong in the weeks and years ahead. May our country, and our Jewish community, thrive together.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Marcia Plumb
