To See in the Dark

Whenever someone asks me to explain the meaning of a Jewish holiday – any Jewish holiday – my answer is always the same:

“They tried to kill us. We survived. Let’s eat.”

I usually just get a courtesy laugh, but for an attention-starved comedy hack like me, courtesy laughs are tantamount to a standing ovation at Radio City. The point is taken nevertheless: Jewish history is a time-worn tale of perseverance in the face of tragedy.

Sometimes I wonder how we survived (and many times we almost didn’t.) But when there is no light, you learn how to see in the dark. Jews are very good at finding their way out of darkness, at clinging to hope despite the odds.

And yet.

There are times when the darkness consumes you. When it blinds you. When the only light you see is from bombs exploding and fire raging and guns blazing.

When the darkness grips you with the force of 5,000 years of despair.

No one knows what will happen in the days and weeks ahead, save for the predictable political posturing, the protests and rallies, the discrimination and hate crimes. Some American Jews will be extremely vocal and passionate, and I respect that. Others, like me, will revert to our original assimilation programming and keep our heads down, avoid the topic and try to fit in.

You watching the playoffs? Crazy about the Dodgers. Oh yeah, saw that, totally agree – enough Taylor Swift already! Keep the cameras pointed at the field, right? No yeah I want that windbreaker too.

But first, I just want to say this.

I support the Jewish people and Israelis, but that doesn’t mean I support Netanyahu and his authoritarian policies. I’m hardly alone on that front. ?

I support the Palestinian people and their right to live in peace, but unequivocally denounce Hamas and all terrorist organizations. They need to be erased from existence so that Palestinians and everyone throughout the region can thrive. ?

This is going to get worse, a lot worse. I’m praying for all the families, for my family and friends living in Israel, for the planet not to devolve into World War III. I’m trying to cling to hope, but it’s getting harder to see a way forward.

I’m trying to find the light. I really am. But for the first time, the darkness is winning.