In the wake of rising antisemitism, we find shelter and refuge inside God's loving embrace. We find comfort, similar to Yitzchak Avinu, who was comforted from the loss of his mother Sarah when he saw that the ענן (cloud) had returned and now hovered over the Ohel (tent) of his beloved wife, Rivka.
The Medrash (a form of rabbinic literature) in Bereishit Rabbah 60:16 highlights the three miracles associated with Sarah's tent: the cloud of glory, the blessing in the dough, and the lamp that remained lit from Shabbat to Shabbat. These miracles are often interpreted as reflecting Sarah's righteousness and the sanctity of her home, with the cloud symbolizing divine presence and purity.
The Shechina (Divine Presence) continued to rest in the home of Rivka, Rochel and Leah, as they too, dutifully adhered to the Mitzvos. Our Imahos stand as symbols of femininity and virtue: Sarah had joy and intuition, Rivka was a בעלת חסד (person of kindness), Leah poured her out heart to God in gratitude and prayer and Rachel demonstrated modesty and compassion. Through their personal example, they taught what it is to be a woman, a lesson we cherish in this age of relativity and moral confusion.
Earlier this week, I posted a picture on various social media accounts of an interactive well that I had made for my son's preschool nearly 15 years ago, to help him and his classmates understand the story of Rivka and Eliezer in Parshas Chayei Sarah. My followers were excited to see how the Parsha could come alive in such a tangible way and I was deeply moved by the positive feedback, which exceeded my expectation. It was heartwarming to see that my belief in a loving and creative approach to Chinuch is shared by many others. However, to me, it felt that there was more to the response. Through their compliments and appreciation for a preschool project, my friends and family were signaling to me that the message of joy and innocence portrayed in this iconic image is sorely needed - now, more than ever.
I interpreted their reaction this way because last week, we witnessed two ominous events: an alarming electoral outcome and the meteoric rise of an avowed Neo-Nazi and Stalinist. On Tuesday, November 4th, Zohran Mamdani, an alleged communist who appears to also be a Jihad apologist, was elected mayor of NYC - a city that is inhabited by the largest population of Jews outside of Israel. The outcome was disturbing, reflecting deeper systemic issues. That same week, Kevin Roberts, the president of the largest conservative think-tank, swore unconditional loyalty to Tucker Carlson after he promoted and expressed an alignment with some of the political ideals of Nick Fuentes, the most prominent antisemite in America. Though these issues had been bubbling under the surface since "The Black Shabboss" (October 7, 2023), to see hatred of Israel and hatred of the Jewish people embraced on such a public scale was like a gut punch. A few short months ago, Charlie Kirk, צדיק אומות העולם and a great defender of the Jewish people, was tragically taken from us. Now the enemies of civilization use his memory and his legacy to reignite ancient stereotypes and blood libels.
What is especially painful, is that it is Jewish people who are leading the charge towards our destruction; Bernie Sanders, Dave Smith and Hannah Einbinder to name a few. There is a strong possibility that the liberal Jewish voting block might have been what tipped the scales for a candidate who refused to condemn the phrase "Globalize the Intifada." It is disheartening to see divisions within our community. This betrayal leads us to question if our fellow אידען (Jews), people we are commanded to love as our own flesh, can still be considered a part of כלל ישראל.
Surrounded, we face attack from all sides; hope seems lost and we have become full of despair. The future of humanity is in peril, and with it, the fate of the Jewish people hangs in the balance. We are in desperate need for an anchor and a pathway forward. Drawing inspiration from ישעיהו הנביא (Yeshayahu HaNavi, Isaiah the Prophet) I turn to you and proclaim, "נחמו, נחמו עמי" (Nachamu, Nachamu Ami, Comfort, comfort my people). My message is simple: in the face of rising antisemitism, we find hope in the promise that hashem will protect us and redeem us in the merit of righteous Jewish women, as our sages say, "בזכות נשים צדקניות נגאלו אבותינו ממצרים ובזכות נשים אנו עתידין להיגאל." In the merit of righteous women, our ancestors were redeemed from Egypt, and in the merit of righteous women, we are destined to be redeemed. (מלבי"ם על שמות ט״ו:כ׳:א׳, ערוך השולחן, אורח חיים תע״ב:ט״ו, ילקוט שמעוני על נ"ך תשצ״ה:ה׳)
By emulating the virtues of our Matriarchs, we can forge a vibrant future for the Jewish people. More broadly, we can save America and the West from the scourge of socialism through the חסד (Chesed, Kindness) of Rivka and the מידה of הכרת הטוב we see in Leah.
Leading with Kindness; Winning with Gratitude
In the previous Parsha, Vayeira, we learn of the story of Sedom. A society that runs on pure self interest will collapse in on itself. The recent 40-day government shutdown (the longest ever in US history) driven by the controversy surrounding healthcare, is a clear example of this. The healthcare industry in the US is based on models that put profit over people with built in subsidies to benefit corporate interests. At least it appears as such to me, a novice in healthcare economics.
In a recent parsah we learn about Sedom, where radical capitalism, materialism and a society based on pure self interest implodes in on itself.
Rabbi Breitowitz recently said that the Torah does not prescribe a specific governmental structure; only outline principles and we have to use human reason and discernment to advocate for a political system that best aligns with out values.
Politically, jews do not identify as communists nor do we identify as capitalists. We are characterized as ביישנים, רחמנים וגומלי חסדים. Rivka demonstrated a greatness in חסד (Chesed, Kindness) when she drew water from well for אליעזר and his camels. This was how Eliezer knew that she was a fitting bride for Yitzchack. This anecdote highlights the importance of the middah of chesed. The crucial role of charity and compassion for a functioning society is evident in the undeniable miracle that is the modern state of Israel - the one Jewish country in the world. We cannot credit our financial dominance to our socialist roots, neither can we credit our relatively free markets. The secret to our success can be found in the ג pages of the local phonebook where you will see endless listings of גמ"ח after גמ"ח (Gemachת Free loan society). Magen Dovid Edom, Zaka, Ichud Hatzolo and Yad Sarah are almost entirely staffed by volunteers. This generosity is abundant in our healthcare and emergency service industries - but it is not exclusive to them. So many sectors of our economy are run by people who donate their time, money and expertise to help give a stranger a leg up.
Qoute Daniel di martino - leds lead with kindness.... Communism and Nazism can both be defined as an ideology that rests on sin.It is no surprise that Mr. Fuentes thinks that Hitler was cool and he is also a fan of Stalin. Nazism is the belief that human beings are not created in the image of god therefore some lives are worth less than others. when you reject the divine spark and dignity in every human being that leads to the conclusion that some, or all, all no greater value than that of a plant or an animal. -
what is the sin at the root of socialism? it is based on envy - Daniel Di Martino. socialism can be defeated with gratitude - hakaras hatov.
We are called many names: the chosen nation, the people of the book, god's firstborn - most commonly we are called Jews, in Hebrew יהודים (Yehudim), after Yehudah. Leah named her son יהודה because she said הפעם אודה את ה (HaPa'am Odeh Et Hashem, This time I will thank Hashem). so crucial was Leah's act to publicly acknowledge her gratitude to hashem that the identity of entire Jewish people were folded under this banner.
In summary, this article weaves together themes of Jewish resilience, and contemporary challenges facing the Jewish community. In this article I highlight the the significance of the אמהות as models of righteousness and purity and their enduring strength and virtue. The connection between the miracles in Sarah's tent and her exemplary character, emphasizes the timeless relevance of these values. I suggested that that the path forward in these trying times lies in embracing our heritage and reaffirming our commitment to Torah and Mitzvot. By placing an emphasis on kindness, gratitude and spiritual fortitude amidst rising antisemitism, this article offers a hopeful perspective.
Additional Notes and Sources:
נידה
The Midrash itself does not explicitly state that the cloud over Sarah's tent was specifically in the merit of the mitzvah of niddah. Interpretations connecting the cloud to specific mitzvot, like niddah, are often derived from later commentaries and teachings that explore the spiritual symbolism of these miracles.
I want to take this opportunity to point out the need for חיזוק with regard to קדושה and marriage in the Jewish community. There is an urgent need for reflection and reevaluation on how puberty, intimacy, and sexuality are taught to teenagers and young women. It's essential that these topics are introduced well before marriage, allowing young women to make informed decisions about their future partners. The current system, where education often occurs too late, needs reform. כלה teachers should meet high standards, with proper certification and oversight, ensuring they can address both biological and philosophical questions. Encouraging diverse perspectives and open dialogue is vital. Initiatives like those by the Eden Center and educational programs involving mothers are steps in the right direction. These efforts should be expanded to ensure comprehensive and accurate education for all. I share more about this topic including links to learn about books, programs and initiatives that are doing tremendous and important work on this topic in my article "Ohel Sarah."
חלה
I want to thank Tsipora Prince Agbodjan, from the shul located at Azza Street 24, for organizing a moving Challa Bake and communal Hafrashas Challa on Wednesday, November 5th, as part of the Shabbos project. I hope to dedicate an entire article to this monumental event. I included the link here but it is a work in progress. Once it is written I will share the link with my followers via my email list and social media accounts.
My challah is a 9 cup recipe. You need to separate challah without a bracha. If you want to make a bracha, double it. Its 9 cups flour. 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, 3 tablespoons yeast, half cup oil and 3 cups water
Doesnt have eggs in it but you need an egg to brush on top
Instant dry yeast..comes in a biggish package in the baking aisle
Canola oil
No i dont activate the yeast
Until it rises and gets bigger the books usually say an hour
180 for about 20 min but i dont time it i just watch it. It makes 6 good size challahs.
*Be careful - in Eretz Yisroel it is a חיוב דאורייתא to be מפריש חלה so it is very serious if you forget to do the הפרשה.
It is a greater חילול ה when Jewish people in NY do not believe that Hashem who created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th than when they believe that a "democratic" socialist is a worthy candidate to lead the premiere metropolis in the free world. No politician has the power to do anything if Hashem does not decide that this is what should be. לב מלכים ושרים ביד ה. The role and purpose of politicians is to facilitate an environment where Jews can live in peace and prosper so that we can raise families and properly serve Hashem. The ultimate goal is Torah and Mitzvos, therefore, as faithful Jews, I feel that we should primarily concern ourselves with שמירת מצוות.
I am cognizant of the timing of all these troubling developments in government and media - the week that all these tragedies befell us, was the same week as the Shabbos project. A Shabbos once a year that אידען recommit themselves to the light of Shabbos. There is a well known Jewish belief that a parallel can be drawn between the light of the Shabbos candles and the light of Moshioch. If all the female "Rabbis" who campaigned for Mamdani would light Shabbos candles this Friday night, that could bring Moshaich.
I will leave you with the words to a song that I learned as a teenager.
Come, Jewish girls and women,There's a gift waiting for you.Handed down with love from our mothers,
Sarah, Rivka, Leah, and Rochel.
Lighting candles each Friday night,
Bringing warmth and blessing, shelter and light.
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