This is an important time for liberal Jews to stand with Chasidic & Haredi Jews. While antisemitism threatens all of us, the antisemitic hate crimes of recent days have been on visibly Orthodox Jewish communities. We need to see it and name it.
We have lots of disagreements among Jews of course. That’s ok, a good thing even. But our progressive principle that frontline communities - those experiencing the pain - must play a leading role in taking voice & crafting solutions, should apply here.
I’ve had the good fortune to get to know, love, work with, represent, and argue w/ lots of Chasidim & Haredim. I still I feel immensely proud of my own (quite different) Judaism. But at this moment we have to push harder, to confront our own biases, including anti-Chasidic ones.
Antisemitism threatens all Jews. Last year the Tree of Life Synagogue. Union Temple close to home. And antisemitism is a harbinger of bigger problems for our society.
But right now, Jews like me are not the ones walking around feeling the most fear in our neighborhoods.
But right now, Jews like me are not the ones walking around feeling the most fear in our neighborhoods.
It’s so hard to know what would really reduce hate and prevent these crimes.
I believe some of the answer lies in building better relationships across communities, reducing inequality, building a stronger democracy, turning down the rhetoric of hate and xenophobia ...
I believe some of the answer lies in building better relationships across communities, reducing inequality, building a stronger democracy, turning down the rhetoric of hate and xenophobia ...
... and I especially appreciate the strong condemnations from Muslims, Christians, and other allies in this time of need.
But I sure understand why many frum Jews want stronger police protection right now.
But I sure understand why many frum Jews want stronger police protection right now.
One good starting place is just to listen. So here are a few frum voices to follow:
@SimchaEichenstein @KalmanYeger @ChaimDeutsch @NYCGreenfield @AlexRapaport @YosefRapaport @ChaskelBennett @LeahZagelbaum @ysilber @ezrafriedlander.
You’ll disagree w/them sometimes. That’s OK.
@SimchaEichenstein @KalmanYeger @ChaimDeutsch @NYCGreenfield @AlexRapaport @YosefRapaport @ChaskelBennett @LeahZagelbaum @ysilber @ezrafriedlander.
You’ll disagree w/them sometimes. That’s OK.
At 5:00 pm today, I'm looking forward to joining Jews of all denominations, and friends & allies too, for the 8th night of Hanukkah menorah-lighting, organized by Park Slope @Chabad at Grand Army Plaza. Please join if you can.
I’m praying for Yosef ben Perel, Chaim ben Vittel, Naftali Tzvi ben Gila & Nachman ben Elka. And for finding better ways to protect our people, navigate our differences, and building a world where Chasidic & Haredi Jews - and everyone else - are safe to pray & live as they are.
