October 7 and Proud to be Jewish
Rabbi Yisroel Roll, JD, LCPC
Executive Coach, Lawyer, Psychotherapist, Motivational Speaker, Author
The attached inaugural JED TALK, by international media star, Rabbi YY Rubinstein, addresses head on the issue of Jewish Pride in the face of the October 7 massacre.
The physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that Jews have been experiencing after October 7, have placed our Jewish identity under siege. We are overwhelmed by feelings of fear, anger, and despair.
Pride in our Jewish identity cannot be allowed to be contingent upon the existential threat. Being proud to be Jewish is about embracing Jewish values.
Pride in being Jewish is a form of resistance against forces seeking to erase Jewish identity. By affirming our Jewish identity we reclaim a sense of agency and empowerment in the face of antisemitism.
We can assert pride in our:
Culture: Our tradition of literature, art, music, customs and cuisine, including gefilte fish, chopped liver, bagels and lox, kugel, and strudel....have influenced world culture.
Resilience and Survival: Despite facing persecution and adversity throughout history, Jewish communities have demonstrated remarkable perseverance. Our resilience attests to pride in our Jewish inner strength and faith.
Contributions to Society: Jews have made significant contributions to science, medicine, philosophy, literature, politics, and the arts. Albert Einstein, Jonas Salk, Sigmund Freud, Steven Spielberg, Bob Dylan...have had a profound impact on the world.
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Ethical and Moral Values: Judaism places a strong emphasis on ethical and moral values, such as justice, compassion, universal education, and social responsibility. We take pride in, and strive to uphold these values in our daily lives.
Community and Solidarity: Jewish communities foster a strong sense of belonging and solidarity. Chief Rabbi of Israel, Yisrael Meir Lau, standing on the destroyed crematoria at Birkenau, said to the March of the Living: "We have learned to die together, now we must learn to live together."
Connection to Israel: The State of Israel provides a source of pride and connection for Jews around the world.
Spiritual and Religious Identity: Judaism provides a deep sense of spiritual identity and connection to something greater than oneself. The laws, Passover Seder, Lighting Channukah candles, believing in a Higher Power, and traditions of Judaism are a source of comfort, meaning, and pride.
Dear Rabbi Roll, I read this, extremely good, just looked at your profile and listened to your piece about being in the Barbers shop with Princess Diana, very nice, extremely interesting stuff! You are an extremely clever guy. October 7th Simchat Torah / Shabbat, was a life changing day, for the Jewish people for the State of Israel, maybe for the World. Given what was happening in Israel I knew something massive had to happen during the chaggim! The year ???'? this I understand is the year of massive change! October the 7th, the start! News UK: George Galloway elected MP in Rochdale!!!! Was I surprised, NO! The people of Rochdale have spoken! Dare I say, Islam has spoken! UK PM, ￡70 Million budget protection of UK Jewry, Will this guarantee security for Britain's Jews? NO! This UK, the rest of the world is the same! G-d wants his Jews Home, this is the End date! The "Writing is on the Wall" situation, getting worse by the Day! This is as being in Germany / Europe in Summer 1939. Today, very different, the Jews have a Permanent Home, it's called Israel, prove that you are Jewish, The Law of Israel says they have to let you in. Purim / Pesach, the world will be a different place! The Jews need to Come Home! NOW