Introduction to a Pacifist Zionism & a Pacifist Jihad: Judaism and Islam as religions of peace

A DRAFT FOR PEACE

Peace is possible. Perhaps, one of the first steps toward understanding a conflict and those involved in it, is by identifying the people. Who are the Palestinians and the Israelis? The Palestinians are not the same as the Philistines of ancient times. The Israelis are neither the ancient Hebrews nor Israelites. They have not been in conflict for 3,000 years. However, both Israelis and Palestinians share, indirectly and in some cases directly, a cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic heritage.

No all Palestinians are Muslims or Arabs. A large number, at times full neighborhoods and towns are Christians. Many others are descendants of Sephardic Jews who converted to Islam or Christianity during the Ottoman Empire or hundreds of years, if not thousands, before it. They are also of many ethnic origins. Many are Domari people (rroma nation/Gypsies), often ignored by the world and by both the Israelis and the Palestinian Authority. Samaritans (who are descendants of Joseph according to their stories and traditions) live in Nablus and villages near it. They and the Israeli Samaritans in Holon have been praying and working for ways to bring peace to these nations. There are also secular Palestinians, including agnostics. They are affiliated or identified with a large variety of political ideologies, including Socialists, Communists, Islamic “theocracy,” Democracy, etc. The great majority of Palestinians, forgive me for the redundancy, are peace loving and hard-working people, just as the Israelis.

No all Israelis are Jewish, just as not all Jews are Israelis. Israelis are also very diverse in ethnic, cultural, and religious and political affiliations. Social Democracy, Communism, and all types of other left and right-wing ideologies can be found among them. Among those who identify themselves as Jews there are Sephardim (Spanish), Mizrahim (Eastern Hebrews from Arabic and Persian speaking countries), Ashkenazi (mainly of Polish, Russian, and German countries), Ethiopians, and converts to Judaism from many nations around the world. While a great number of non-Israeli Jews, especially outside the State of Israel, feel or hold to some degree an emotional religious identification with the current State, not all Jews support the current approach of nationalistic Zionism, and much less to the way the current Prime Minister and his associates in the government have responded to the horrible crimes of Hamas. Many Israelis would have preferred another approach since the early days, after all soon or later they all had to seat and reach a peace agreement. I must say again that the great majority of Israelis, forgive me for the redundancy one more time, are peace loving and hard-working people, just as the Palestinians.

It is tragic how many innocent people have suffered the consequences of this conflict, especially during the last few years between Hamas and the Israeli military. Thousands of lives have been lost due to both the violence and terrorism of Hamas against Israelis and against the people of Gaza. Thousands of humans were killed by the response of soldiers to Hamas (sometimes it is forgotten that these are also humans). Killing so many people, human beings created in the image of the Almighty. Hamas has shown no respect and value of human life, especially that of Israelis and those who oppose them among the Palestinians. The current Israeli government has not shown respect and value of human life among the Palestinians. Some extremist, especially among the “Jews” settling in the West Bank, are calling for the genocide of all non-Jews in Gaza and eventually expelling all non-Jews from the Land of Israel, including Israeli citizens who are Christians, Druze, Baha’i, and people of any other faith. Jews of other traditions are not welcome by these extremists. They consider non-Orthodox, for example Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist to be non-Jews. Perhaps, it should be clarified that the “Messianic” Jews, including the Roman Catholic Israelis, are simply traditional Christians in the views of both Palestinians and Israelis, also by other Christians and Jews.

Peace is possible. After this horrible insane war, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the European Union, and the Unites States of America must work together to rebuild Gaza. They should also give full autonomy and freedom to the West Bank or become one nation with justice for everyone. The State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority as one or independent as two states, must have a constitution that guaranty freedom and equal rights for every citizen regardless of religion, ethnicity, political affiliation or anything else. There have been people with two capitals; therefore, why can’t two nations share one capital, Jerusalem? Jerusalem can be the capital of both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. Perhaps, they both should consider two different names, since Palestine neither Israel describes accurately the two nations of modern times. Regardless of the ethnic heritage we may share. The use and misuse of those names for political reasons have caused so much misunderstanding and conflicts.

Peace is possible. All it needs is people who believe, people caring, people with hope, and people who see each other as human beings. We need a Pacifist Zionism and a Pacifist Jihad. Two nations fighting for the same cause without violence: the cause of love, peace and justice in the ancient land of Canaan. Yes, I know it sounds like a cliché and an utopian ideal, but it is what we desperately need.

We also need the fundamentalist evangelical to stop confusing Palestinians with the ancient Philistines, and Israel with the ancient Israelites. Regardless that many among the Jewish people have a far distance connection with ethnic ancient Israel while others are Jews by conversion. There are also evangelical Christians among the Palestinians who have been ignored by the Evangelical Christians in times of need and injustice. We need Palestinians, Israelis, Jews, Muslims, Christians, and everyone to seek peace.

The region we call today Israel and Palestine has been colonized repeatedly by the Canaanites, Ancient Israel and Judah, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and later by the Ottoman Empire, the British, and now two nations fighting to impose their colonizing power: the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Isn’t time to stop this vicious cycle of colonialism, wars, violence, hatred, and intolerance? Those nations felt from power due to their arrogance and violence: don’t let history repeat itself.

Peace is possible: stop teaching hatred and violence to your children. Let us teach the way of peace. The State of Israel and the region of the Palestinian Authority can be the peaceful home of people from so many nations and creeds living on it; again, as two states with mutual respect and honor with one capital, Jerusalem, or as one nation.

Although faith and religion are very important, John Lennon’s song “Imagine” still has an invitation to reflect. Sadly, too often religious intolerance or extremist fundamentalism, which touch the borders of the irrational, has contributed to these and so many other conflicts. 

 

Let us be grateful!

 Each morning, when we wake up, the first words we traditionally say are:

מודה אני לפניך מלך חי וקיים שהחזרת בי נשמתי בחמלה רבה אמונתך

These are expressions of our daily gratitude toward the Eternal Source of Life, the Creator. Giving thanks is part of our life. Living each day full of joy for the blessing of life.

Around the world many nations, for one or another reason, have chosen a day to express their gratitude to the Almighty. In the USA this specific day is full of legends and speculations, since it is linked to the relation between the colonizers and the earlier nations, previous colonizers and settlers from hundreds of different nations (called today Native Americans in the USA and First Nations in Canada), who were living in these regions. Often stories of a quaisi romantic ideal times are told overlooking the bad and the good of the historical facts (we must never ignore and much less justify the wrong done to those nations). However, the national time of thanksgiving goes back to centuries before the English settlements to the time of the early Spanish communities in Texas, Florida etc. More importantly these traditions of thanksgiving go back to ancient times. The best sample are found in the Hebrew Bible, especially within the Books of Psalms.

When I faced moments of deep depression and anxiety, my wife read selections from these Psalms. Living with a grateful attitude makes a big difference in our lives. When I think of how blessed I have been regardless of the times of sorrow and pain, I am encouraged to live in a way that will also bless others. I could fill up a book or perhaps books on all the reasons to be grateful even in those moments of tears, when I was feeling hopeless and felt like giving up. So many times, the writers of the Psalms in similar or even worse situations list their troubles but conclude with words like these: I will still praise (or thank) the Lord.

Let us rise in the mornings with a heart full of praise and thankfulness for the breath of life. Praise the Almighty with our words and actions. Let us live lives that proclaim the mercies and love of the Lord. In a world so full of sorrow and pain, let us be instruments of grace. May we be instruments of peace and compassion. 

שלום וברכה לכולם בארץ ישראל ועל כל עם עזה

 

 

Do not be a golem!

A children's tale about living creatures "created" by rabbis, the golem, have been exploited in films and books. The stories cannot be classified as Jewish folklore, after all Judaism teaches, like Christianity and Islam, that only God can be the Creator and Giver of life. The designation of Jewish folklore belongs with honour to some of the stories in the Bible. 

It is possible that the "pseudo-legend" of the Golem of Prague developed from a comment by its Rabbi: "I have a golem working at home." He was using the term as it was found in rabbinical Hebrew, for example in Pirke Avot. It was used as an expression, often offensive, to refer to someone considered "ignorant" or similar adjective. In Modern Israeli Hebrew it is used as an insult. Through history a golem is described as a being under the control of someone who claims "intellectual" power over it. 

Today in politics pseudo-intellectuals, demagogues, charlatans, opportunists, con-artists, et al. manipulate others with conspiracy theories. They develop stories from lies to gain power over the minds of voters. The same is done by some religious leaders for financial gain. Their audiences are controlled like the golem of the fiction stories. 

The Holy One has given to humanity the ability to think, to analyze carefully, with a critical mind any information we hear. We are empowered with the intellect to explore and do research. In this age of internet technology we have access to respectful and serious scholarly research, even primary sources in digital format (sadly the internet provides access to meaningless stories and lies). Therefore, do not just take for granted that something is true because it was said by a rich person. Take the time to carefully investigate. Do not just seat there thinking that because he or she has some religious title he or she must be right. Let his or her sermons be analyzed carefully. Seek the truth. It was said that knowing the truth will make us free. If we choose to ignore what is truth, then we become ignorant, golem. So, do not be a golem, but seek truth. Continue growing in faith, wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Learn from your rabbis, pastors, priests, et al. asking questions, open to dialogue, with a humble attitude and a desire to be a tzadik. Listen to those running for a public office in government. Encourage them to speak the truth if they really care for the people. Ask your questions, investigate further the subject, with a critical, analytical mind study the arguments from all candidates regardless their political affiliation.  We are free to think, to speak, to do what will benefit everyone as a nation. Do not be a golem, be free to think.

Shabbat, remember and keep it

 

Why are some among us in our synagogues doing business to raise funds on Shabbath? Because the synagogue has developed from a simple place of prayer and worship, empowering its members to live their faith at home and work and their communities with acts of love and mercy, to a complex institution. Very expensive buildings that demand so much investment and time. Perhaps, it is time to return to a simpler way of worship, learning, and being community: remembering and keeping Shabbat. Honoring this day the Holy One, with our words of praise and our acts of compassion.

Christian Churches have become the competition for local grocery stores, the restaurant down the street, the social club for youth, to the point that they stop being a religious institution to become a very complex agency that release the civil government from their burden, from its responsibility. Taking that burden in exchange for tax exempt status eventually they are fading away. Although they as well as all non-profit religious and non-religious institutions should be tax exempt at all levels of government. 

The synagogue seems to follow the same pattern, the same confusion. Like those churches they will eventually loose members, become almost bankrupt, and will fade. It cannot be allowed to happen. The Jewish people, as community and as individuals, must be active in caring for humanity. However, we cannot compromise the foundation of our faith. It is this foundation that empowers us to care for humanity. We must honour the Holy One in humble obedience and acts of love and mercy toward all. It can starts with a very small step: remembering and keeping Shabbat.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/BT00LN946S?externalReferenceId=f42eb528-a002-4b27-b23b-5490bffc29be

Be a Bar/Bat Mitzvah every day

The Bar & Bat Mitzvah Celebration

A Brief Reflection

The Bar Mitzvah celebration, especially the events within the synagogue, is one of the most beautiful experiences in the life of a Jewish young man. In Orthodox Judaism, tells me Rabbi Yitzchok Adlertsein, Director of Interfaith Affairs of the Simon Wiesenthal: Center:

[T]he day wanes in significance as time goes on... For the Orthodox, the day of the bar-mitzvah is truly a beginning. The boy will lay tefillin six days a week for the rest of his life, and participate in hundreds of mitzvot a week, contributing to a life style considerably more beautiful than a few hours in the synagogue. He'll be called up to the Torah regularly, not just on "his day."  [in other words], it is a gateway experience, but not a pillar of his connection to Judaism.

The Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and other “progressive” Jewish movements have included the Bat Mitzvah. An attempt to recognize the place of women within the life of the community, the synagogue and the family. My dear friend Rabbi León Klenicki, z”l, who served as the director of Interfaith Affairs and Co-Liaison to the Vatican for the ADL, wrote that the Bar Mitzvah was a Jewish adaptation of the Catholic Church celebration of the First Communion. The time when a Catholic child receives for the first time the “Sacrament of Eucharist.” In the Bar (Bat) Mitzvah the young man (or woman) makes a public statement and commitment to the Jewish faith by receiving, and chanting from, the Torah scroll. There are some different opinions; however, regardless of the debates, it is not more than a thousand years old.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, especially in non-Orthodox settings, are full of beautiful well-rehearsed speeches, songs, and chanting of the Parasha, as Moshé Yess, z”l, described in his song David Cohen’s Bar Mitzvah Day. These are often followed by an extravagant party. Sometimes parents have saved money for years, probably since the birth of their child, for this occasion. Sadly, that song asks if it was worth the cost. Because, too often, it is that day when a Jewish child sees the Rabbi for the last time. It is regrettable how every so often many young Jewish men and women never return to the synagogue, except for his or her wedding, for his/her own child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, and eventually for his or her own funeral. Once a while for the High Holidays.

Parents have a very important responsibility to remind their children that Jewish life and faith start and go before and beyond the Bat or Bar Mitzvah. Hebrew schools too often train their students to get ready for the celebration of this event, but not for a life committed to the Jewish faith. Just like the school that trains students to pass a test, but fails to empower him or her with knowledge for the challenges of life and the reality of this world. Students that can pass a State’s exam, but have not learned anything at all. So many Jewish children have memorized how to chant the Parasha in Hebrew, but do not know Hebrew. They can repeat what was taught, but have no understanding neither the knowledge and much less the wisdom that comes by a commitment to the Jewish faith and life.

The Synagogue with its Rabbis, regardless of “denomination” or tradition, have the duty to work, together with Jewish institutions within the community, in order to preserve more than a culture or a superficial and shallow concept of Judaism. We must preserve the Jewish faith, the foundation of our cultures, traditions, and practices. Bar and Bat Mitzvah is meaningless without a strong religious foundation that leads the child to a life commitment to the Jewish faith. After all, it is the Jewish faith that has kept the Jewish people. It is what unites us, regardless of interpretations, and it is that unity that can overcome antisemitism.

Celebrate RROMA INTERNATIONAL DAY

This evening starts Shabbath hagadol, and all day has been the Rroma people international day celebration. Thousands, if not over a million, of Gypsies died in Nazi concentration camps together with millions of people of the Jewish faith and others. The Gypsies, or Rroma people as they call themselves, trace their ancestry to Abraham and Keturah. They are divided into various tribes or communities around the world with different languages or dialects of the rromani language. In Israel/Palestine there are the domari people who speak mainly Arabic and Hebrew. Spain is the home of one of the most well known Gypsy communities called "la raza calé." They speak a language that follows Spanish (castellano) grammar called rromani caló. In the USA and Ibero America there are many other groups, especially from Eastern Europe. These communities speak Romanesh Kalderash among other dialects and languages. In Eastern Europe, as well as in Europe, especially Ukraine, Germany and Russia, they have suffered discrimination. Their suffering is parallel to that of other minorities, like the Jewish people and the Dalits. A Gypsy leader from Indiana told me years ago about the discrimination they suffered travelling through Pennsylvania, especially among the Mennonites. He says that they learned to forgive them. Many Mennonites and Amish people have also searched for ways to find reconciliation. However, organizations of social justice within them, have ignored the suffering of the Gypsies. 

We, as members of the Hebrew community and the Jewish faith, must stand in solidarity today with our "half-brethren" (as they refer to themselves). May we be instruments of reconciliation.

Shabbath shalom umevorakh

רַֽחֲצוּ֙ הִזַּכּ֔וּ הָסִ֛ירוּ רֹ֥עַ מַעַלְלֵיכֶ֖ם מִנֶּ֣גֶד עֵינָ֑י חִדְל֖וּ הָרֵֽעַ׃ לִמְד֥וּ הֵיטֵ֛ב דִּרְשׁ֥וּ מִשְׁפָּ֖ט אַשְּׁר֣וּ חָמ֑וֹץ שִׁפְט֣וּ יָת֔וֹם רִ֖יבוּ אַלְמָנָֽה׃

Isaiah 1:16-17  

Choose Life: stop senseless violence

• The current violence, i.e., war, between Ukraine and Russia, as war always do, is hurting many innocent people. However, there has been an over emphasis on the implications of this war on the Jewish communities. This war is not about the Ukranian Jewish people. They are not the centre, although the media is giving emphasis to it because the claims of Jewish ancestry by Zelenski. What about the Gypsies? What about ethnic Russians? What about the Ukranians? Jews and non-Jewish people are suffering on both sides this insane war. See the excellent reflection on this issue by Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein at https://cross-currents.com/2022/03/09/why-to-shed-tears-for-the-ukraine/
• Zelenski appeals to the Jewish people around the world, including Russia. This places Jews in a dangerous situation. Anti-Semitic groups use any excuse to blame Jewish people of any tragedy.  
• Being Jewish does not make anyone more righteous neither right in everything he or she does. We had very good leaders in ancient Israel and very bad evil ones too. Today we have both good and bad Jewish leaders in Israel and around the world. We do not support someone as a politician just because he or she is Jewish, as antisemitic propaganda claims. If that was the case, Bernie Sanders would have become the President of the USA. 
• Putin is doing so much wrong in his attempt to do something good for the Russian people in Ukraine. However, the fact that Russia's approach to the conflict with Ukrainia is wrong, does not make Ukraine to be right. 
• How soon the world have forgotten how Ukrainians were dealing with the Gypsies a few days ago, or with ethnic Russians, Jews, et al. Of course, that's not a  reason for war. It is a reason for nations to challenge the racist policy of Ukraine just as they challenge Putin's administration. Today Black African immigrants workers are still suffering discrimination in Ukraine as they try to return home, as well as the Gypsy communities seeking refuge from the war.
• The fact that President Vladimir Putin is wrong, doesn't make President Volodymyr Zelenski right. The same way Tevye der Milkhiker told  "You are also right" to a third disagreeing person, we can say "you are also wrong" to Zelenski, Putin and the NATO. 
• Neo Nazi ideologies and power is very real in Ukraine, regardless of a previous Jewish Prime Minister  or the current President. Just as the institutionalized racism is present and is a tragic reality in the USA regardless of an African American Irish President. Russia also has its neo Nazism problem and the reality of antisemitism.
• One of the worse consequences of this war is how is giving excuses to NATO, especially Germany, to build up their military. 
• Perhaps, Israel neither the USA have the moral to  lecture Putin, as some news writers have said; however, Israel's biblical tradition has so much to teach Putin and Zelenski.  If Europe and the USA and Canada would speak as loud as they are now when war crimes are committed in the Middle East, Africa and human rights abuses are done within their own countries, this world would be a different place. Especially since so many of the politicians claim to be people of faith.
• If Zelenski is in fact Jewish, he must listen to the words of the Hebrew prophets. If Putin is in fact an Orthodox Christian he should listen to the words of Jesus of Nazareth. 

Would it be good to tune into Moskova Radio to listen the Soviet soldiers,

Ukrainians and Russian singing,

instead of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers fighting each other?

 

Seek Peace!

 נְצֹ֣ר לְשׁוֹנְךָ֣ מֵרָ֑ע וּ֝שְׂפָתֶ֗יךָ מִדַּבֵּ֥ר מִרְמָֽה׃ 

Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech.

ס֣וּר מֵ֭רָע וַעֲשֵׂה־ט֑וֹב בַּקֵּ֖שׁ שָׁל֣וֹם וְרׇדְפֵֽהוּ׃ 

Reject evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34:14-15 (13-14)

I do not think there is anything else to say. Sometimes we say too much and overlook the essence of the proverb or verse. Therefore, just read it and meditate about it, then seek to live according to its message.

Shabbath shalom

Calm down! An Interfaith Reflexion on Anger

The Hulk, a fiction character that illustrates anger. "A man or a moster?"; anger can make you look like a moster, but you are still human. To be inclusive the comic book writers and great artists created a female Hulk; I guess to state that also women can get very angry, although, that one did not look so much as a moster. Maybe an intentional desception to deceive or to show how anger can be as destructive in

something that looks normal as a well planned war with the latest technology as it is in some of the horrible atrocities done by humans against humans. A reasonable scientist becoming an irrational creature, just as anger leads humans to be in war. Regardless of the reason for the development of these characters, anger remains the moster while you are the human who can control it.

הֶ֭אֱמַנְתִּי כִּ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר אֲ֝נִ֗י עָנִ֥יתִי מְאֹֽד׃ אֲ֭נִי אָמַ֣רְתִּי בְחׇפְזִ֑י כׇּֽל־הָאָדָ֥ם כֹּזֵֽב׃

Psalm 116:11-12

The writer of these words confessed that although he (or she) had trusted or had faith in (God), perhaps in a moment of anger rushed to say that all human beings are liars, a lie in itself. Anger rushes us to say and do things we regret later. Never act or speak in anger.

In the Christian tradition is taught: ὀργίζεσθε καὶ μὴ ἁμαρτάνετε· ὁ ἥλιος μὴ ἐπιδυέτω ἐπὶ παροργισμῷ ὑμῶν (Ephesians 4:26). This is a quote from Psalm 4:4 in the Greek translation known as Septuagint or LXX. Although the Hebrew text is not exactly the same, the concept is within the Jewish understanding about human behaviour and what God expects from us. Do not rush to speak or act in anger. It will always lead to sin.

Acting or speaking out of anger will lead to hurt others emotionally. Often some of the major personal to international conflicts have come out of someone’s uncontrolled anger.

We get anger when we are hurt. Being hurt or insulted by someone you love; it is more painful than what an enemy could say or do.

Yes, we should never let the day goes by and we are still angry. It will hurt you emotionally and eventually physically, e.g., heart problems. Calm down. Go for a walk. Sometimes a very long walk can help.

Of course, forgiveness helps and it is ideal. However, do not keep placing yourself at the mercy of whoever keeps hurting you and triggering your anger. Sometimes you have to keep a safe distance from that person, even if it is a beloved relative. You still love and care for that relative or friend. You would help in anything you can if able, but you cannot place yourself in circumstances in which that person could hurt you again with his/her words or behaviour.

Be honest with the person who hurts you. Let him/her know you were hurt and how. Keeping inside each and every moment of insults or disrespectful words or actions will eventually lead to an anger that could get out of control. Do not let that happen. Search for a mediator if you do not feel safe talking to that person by yourself. If you find yourself in need of talking with that person, for example he/she is a coworker, always have someone else present who is able to help the communication between you and the other person. Misunderstandings are always a cause for anger.

The popular saying, attributed to Jesus of Nazareth, “turn the other cheek” is often misunderstood. It does not mean to let others abuse you. In its context it discourages the reader or listeners from the use of violence against others.  No, you do not have to let anyone humiliate you over and over again. You can simply move away peacefully and keep a safe distance.

If you do have an anger problem, simple incidents are taken out of proportion and you get easily irritated, then seek professional help. Take time for meditation, reflection, conversation with your Rabbi, Priest, Pastor, or Imam, or religious spiritual leader of your community of faith.

We all get angry in life, at least once. We all can manage our anger and prevent it from overwhelming us by causing emotional or physical harm to ourselves (again, heart failures at times are caused by anger). Anger hurts more the person who is angry than the person that you got angry about.  So, calm down! Relax. Go for a walk.

ט֤וֹב אֶ֣רֶךְ אַ֭פַּיִם מִגִּבּ֑וֹר וּמֹשֵׁ֥ל בְּ֝רוּח֗וֹ מִלֹּכֵ֥ד עִֽיר׃

Proverb 16:32 (cf. Pirke Avot 4:1)

Self-control always; be master over your anger, that will make you strong. Be the master of your emotions.

רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר אוֹמֵר יְהִי כְבוֹד חֲבֵרְךָ חָבִיב עָלֶיךָ כְּשֶׁלָּךְ וְאַל תְּהִי נוֹחַ לִכְעֹס וְשׁוּב יוֹם אֶחָד לִפְנֵי מִיתָתְךָ

Pirke Avot 2:10

In the Torah we read:

וַיַּעֲבֹ֨ר יי עַל־פָּנָיו֮ וַיִּקְרָא֒ יי  ׀  יי אֵ֥ל רַח֖וּם וְחַנּ֑וּן אֶ֥רֶךְ אַפַּ֖יִם וְרַב־חֶ֥סֶד וֶאֱמֶֽת׃

Exodus 34:6 (cf. Micah 7:18)

The Lord is slow to get angry. We have plenty of what happens when God let anger take place. We rather be slow to anger like the Almighty.

Maimónides wrote:

אָסוּר לָאָדָם לִהְיוֹת אַכְזָרִי וְלֹא יִתְפַּיֵּס אֶלָּא יְהֵא נוֹחַ לִרְצוֹת וְקָשֶׁה לִכְעֹס וּבְשָׁעָה שֶׁמְּבַקֵּשׁ מִמֶּנּוּ הַחוֹטֵא לִמְחל מוֹחֵל בְּלֵב שָׁלֵם וּבְנֶפֶשׁ חֲפֵצָה. וַאֲפִלּוּ הֵצֵר לוֹ וְחָטָא לוֹ הַרְבֵּה לֹא יִקֹּם וְלֹא יִטֹּר. וְזֶהוּ דַּרְכָּם שֶׁל זֶרַע יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלִבָּם הַנָּכוֹן. אֲבָל הָעוֹבְדֵי כּוֹכָבִים עַרְלֵי לֵב אֵינָן כֵּן אֶלָּא (וְעֶבְרָתָן) [וְעֶבְרָתוֹ] שְׁמָרָה נֶצַח. וְכֵן הוּא אוֹמֵר עַל הַגִּבְעוֹנִים לְפִי שֶׁלֹּא מָחֲלוּ וְלֹא נִתְפַּיְּסוּ וְהַגִּבְעֹנִים לֹא מִבְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הֵמָּה:

Mishne Torah, on Repentance 2:10

In Pirke Avot 5:11 it is written:

אַרְבַּע מִדּוֹת בַּדֵּעוֹת נוֹחַ לִכְעֹס וְנוֹחַ לִרְצוֹת יָצָא שְׂכָרוֹ בְהֶפְסֵדוֹ קָשֶׁה לִכְעֹס וְקָשֶׁה לִרְצוֹת יָצָא הֶפְסֵדוֹ בִשְׂכָרוֹ קָשֶׁה לִכְעֹס וְנוֹחַ לִרְצוֹת חָסִיד נוֹחַ לִכְעֹס וְקָשֶׁה לִרְצוֹת רָשָׁע:

At a Sunni Muslim site, called Qur’an Explorer, an excellent statement on anger was posted: 

“Anger is one of the worst things considered in Islam. Islam teaches love; to make bonds, to form relationships, to be positive, to not degrade someone, to not insult someone, to avoid each and every word that hurts the people and their self-esteem. Islam teaches the humanity better than any religion and this is why Islam discourages anger because anger destroys relationships and creates distances in people. It not only effects other people but it also effects the health of angry person as well.”

In Islam it is taught that true Muslims are:

وَالَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَائِرَ الْإِثْمِ وَالْفَوَاحِشَ وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُوا هُمْ يَغْفِرُونَ

Those who avoid major sins and indecencies, and forgive when angered.

 الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

Those who spend in ease and adversity, and suppress their anger, and excuse [the faults of] the people, and God loves the virtuous.

Quran, 42:37, 3:134

Regardless if you are Jewish, Christian, or Muslim or affiliated to any other faith tradition, anger does not discriminate due to religious affiliation. Do not let anger rule and ruin your life. Calm down. Go for a walk. Rest. Relax. Trust the Almighty, who can give you strength to control and overcome anger.

Conside our tradition on דן לכף זכות  give the benefit of the doubt to whoever got you angry. He/she probably had a difficult time, a bad day, some other conflicts at home. In Pirke Avot 1:6 we read:

יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן פְּרַחְיָה וְנִתַּאי הָאַרְבֵּלִי קִבְּלוּ מֵהֶם

 יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן פְּרַחְיָה אוֹמֵר עֲשֵׂה לְךָ רַב וּקְנֵה לְךָ חָבֵר

וֶהֱוֵי דָן אֶת כָּל הָאָדָם לְכַף זְכוּת:

A very powerful advice about anger management comes from the great Rabbi Abraham Twerski. Listen to his words of wisdom:

One People! One Antiracist Community in a House of Worship for All Nations!

בֵיתִ֔י בֵּית־תְּפִלָּ֥ה יִקָּרֵ֖א לְכׇל־הָעַמִּֽים׃

Isaiah 56:7c

Judaism is not an ethnic religion. To be Jewish is not about belonging to any specific ethnic group, regardless that in the USA for legal reasons it is both. Judaism is the biblical faith, although today with the Rabbinical touch (commentaries and interpretations on how to practice it – Some Jewish scholars would argue modern Judaism is an “invention” of the Rabbis). Its origins go back to an ancient nation called Israel, later divided between Israel and Judah; Judah becoming the centre of the faith, i.e., Jerusalem, hence the adjective Jew or Jewish. However, Judaism or should we say, the faith of the Hebrew prophets, was intended to be the faith for every nation. Just as the house of worship in Judaism is for all nations. Even in the ancient days, Israel/Judah had their origins within many ethnic groups that came out of Egypt with the children of Jacob and the Hebrew-Egyptian children of Joseph. Today the diversity is greater. Tragically, even in some synagogues Jewish people refer to Judaism as an ethnic religion and about themselves as being “white.” This follows the politically motivated definition of “white” in the USA which includes Northern Africa’s communities of Arabs, Egyptian, and Jewish descendants regardless of the colour of the skin.

The Nazis erred by classifying the Jewish people as a "race," adding that we were of a lower "race." Then placing the yellow star on their clothes to identify this "lower race." The labels and insults were not just with words, now with an actual label. Racism was not the only issue, after all there were many people from German ancestry who were part of the Jewish faith and suffered the tragic crime of the Holocaust. 

The Nazis persecuted German people from many other religious and ethnic groups. They sent to forced labour camps German members of the Watchtower, especially because they opposed military service. The Gypsies (Romani people) were also victimized due to their ethnic origins and traditions. German homosexuals were also discriminated and sent to die. There were people, regardless of ethnicity, who suffered under the Nazi regime due to mental health or physical limitations. However, it seems that the Nazis made the Jewish people, either for religious, economical or race reasons, or all of the above, the main target of their racist campaign. A good resource on antisemitism per se is the booklet A Brief History of Antisemitism by the ADL. Another article is Antisemtism in American History. It shows the growing racism and prejudice against the Jewish people in the USA, regardless of the romanticizing of USA history by (a great teacher) Rabbi Meir Soloveichik (currently serving as the Rabbi of the oldest Spanish Portuguese Synagogue in Manhattan). Another important organization fighting antisemitism and other type of ethnic discrimination is the Simon Wiesenthal Center. They also have excellent resources on this important topic.

Louis Harap wrote in Creative Awakening The Jewish Presence in Twentieth-century American Literature, 1900-1940s (page 24), the following: 

Anti-Semitism can be religious (Jew as Christ-killer), economic (Jew as banker, usurer, money-obsessed), social (Jew as social inferior, "pushy," vulgar, therefore excluded from personal contact), racist (Jews as an inferior "race"), ideological (Jew regarded as subversive or revolutionary), or cultural (or as undermining the moral and structural fiber of civilization). It can be an inchoate feeling, a mindless repetition of anti-Jewish verbal cliches and locutions, which we might call "folk anti-Semitism," or it may be an articulated system of ideas that rationalizes the particular variety of anti-Semitism entertained. Very often one resorts to several contradictory types at one.

Racist antisemitism, within all its forms, seems to be the main reason for the Holocaust suffered by the Jewish people. Jonathan Greenblatt, of the ADL, is correct in his answer to a comment by Whoopi Goldberg, said: “There’s no question that the Holocaust was about race. That’s how the Nazis saw it as they perpetrated the systematic annihilation of the Jewish people across continents, across countries.” However, let us take out “instead” from the comments by Goldberg and we must agree with her, a member of the Jewish faith by confession and practice as she stated in earlier interviews (I do not know if that have changed), that the Holocaust was also “about man’s inhumanity to man.” The crimes of the Holocaust, as well as the Inquisition, and many other type and forms of persecution of the Jewish people, either targeting them as an ethnic community or a religious group, must be prevented from ever happening again against anyone, Jews and non-Jews. 

Whoopi Goldberg's comment do raise questions we need to answer to ourselves. It is understandable when some African Americans, even some members of the Jewish faith, see the horrible persecution of Jewish people by the Nazis as a power struggle within the "white" people. That's if they are just looking at the colour of the skin of the Jews of Germany and Poland who look more like the Germans than Middle Eastern communities. The impression some African American get is that these Jewish people were part of this German "white race" too. They get the idea that these Jewish communities were discriminated as Irish Travellers are discriminated by other Irish who seem them as inferior. Of course, Nazis saw it differently. Their racist views saw Jewish people no just as an inferior "race" but also as evil and completely outside of the so called "white race." Their antisemitism was also religious anti Judaism, political and cultural etc. Either way the Holocaust suffered by Jews, Gypsies, Gays, Conscientious Objectors, and others was one of the most horrible war crimes modern times witnessed. 

Whoopi Goldberg has her freedom to interpret events and express her opinion. The censorship and discipline imposed on her just feed the lies of the "white supremacists" in the USA who claim that the Jewish people control the media system. Obviously it is not a fact.

African Americans have asked why the Holocaust against black Africans and Native Americans is not remembered internationally with the same respect and lament. They have a good question. These tragic evil events must be remembered with the same respect so they never happen again. NEVER AGAIN!

In the following music video one of the most beautiful songs in Hebrew is performed. Sadly, the images misrepresent the Jewish people and perpetuate ethnic and religious prejudices within our own communities. In the video there are only so called “white” Jews. No Jewish person with darker skin from Sephardic, Mizrachi, and descendants of Ethiopian Beta Israel are included. Much less the Chinese Jews or the African American Jewish communities. Reform, Conservative (Masorti), Reconstructionist, or any member of another Jewish denomination, except Orthodox are included. Surprisingly a secular Israeli is included, just as an invitation attempting to reach out to this fast-growing segment, perhaps the majority, in modern Israeli society. No all Jews speak Yiddish. Some speak Aramaic, others Arabic or the Judaeo-Arabic dialect. There are those who speak Spanish (castellano) or the modern dialect developed from XV Century castellano called Ladino (Judaeo-Spanish), a language in its own merits. Modern Israeli Hebrew is becoming a common language, although there are also political diversities within the Jewish communities in Israel and outside it. A diversity some "extremists" within the Jewish and Israeli communities do not welcome. Antisemitism is growing even within Israel among some Israeli citizens, not just among the communities called Palestinians. White supremacist views are held by some in Tel Aviv. Confusing? Who says that racism is not a confusion of the mind that forgets the humanity of everyone?

While we must work against antisemitism, we must also work against racism within our own communities; against the prejudices of Jews against other Jewish people, or against others outside the Jewish faith. We must become antiracist communities if we want to overcome antisemitism. Our temples, synagogues, must become a House of Worship for All Nations.

 

What book are you reading?

During times of depression, I encourage you to ask someone to read from the Books of Psalms. Of course, avoid reading or listening those imprecatory ones, which probably would add anger to your depression. Read selectively from the words that would inspire you to sing again. There is hope, because there is still a little faith in you; empowered by love.

May the hope of this writer (Psalm 91:15-16) give you also strength for tomorrow:

יִקְרָאֵ֨נִי וְֽאֶעֱנֵ֗הוּ עִמּֽוֹ־אָנֹכִ֥י בְצָרָ֑ה אֲ֝חַלְּצֵ֗הוּ וַאֲכַבְּדֵֽהוּ׃

אֹ֣רֶךְ יָ֭מִים אַשְׂבִּיעֵ֑הוּ וְ֝אַרְאֵ֗הוּ בִּישׁוּעָתִֽי׃

Here is a beautiful interpretation of segments of Psalm 91 by a singing group from a Christian tradition, Seventh Day Adventists. One of the few evangelical groups that consider the Divine Instruction to be relevant in their own religious tradition. The song is in castellano. Including this recording here does not imply agreement with some of their theological Christian views.

God, are you listening?

There are times when we, with the writer of this psalm (13:1), ask, respectfully and humbly:

עַד־אָ֣נָה יי תִּשְׁכָּחֵ֣נִי נֶ֑צַח עַד־אָ֓נָה תַּסְתִּ֖יר אֶת־פָּנֶ֣יךָ מִמֶּֽנִּי׃

Nevertheless, within our pain, let us stand and conclude with the writer saying:

וַאֲנִ֤י בְּחַסְדְּךָ֣ בָטַחְתִּי֮ יָ֤גֵ֥ל לִבִּ֗י בִּֽישׁוּעָ֫תֶ֥ךָ אָשִׁ֥ירָה לַֽיי כִּ֖י גָמַ֣ל עָלָֽי׃ 

Psalm 13:6

Patience produces beauty: A lesson from the potter

Barukh the sofer (18:1ff) wrote:

 הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָיָ֣ה אֶֽל־יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ מֵאֵ֥ת יי לֵאמֹֽר׃ 

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD:

ק֥וּם וְיָרַדְתָּ֖ בֵּ֣ית הַיּוֹצֵ֑ר וְשָׁ֖מָּה אַשְׁמִיעֲךָ֥ אֶת־דְּבָרָֽי׃ 

“Go down to the house of a potter, and there I will impart my words to you.”

וָאֵרֵ֖ד בֵּ֣ית הַיּוֹצֵ֑ר וְהִנֵּה־ה֛וּא עֹשֶׂ֥ה מְלָאכָ֖ה עַל־הָאׇבְנָֽיִם׃ 

So I went down to the house of a potter, and found him working at the wheel.

וְנִשְׁחַ֣ת הַכְּלִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר ה֥וּא עֹשֶׂ֛ה בַּחֹ֖מֶר בְּיַ֣ד הַיּוֹצֵ֑ר וְשָׁ֗ב וַֽיַּעֲשֵׂ֙הוּ֙ כְּלִ֣י אַחֵ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר יָשַׁ֛ר בְּעֵינֵ֥י הַיּוֹצֵ֖ר לַעֲשֽׂוֹת׃         

And if the vessel he was making was spoiled, as happens to clay in the potter’s hands, he would make it into another vessel, such as the potter saw fit to make.

וַיְהִ֥י דְבַר־יי אֵלַ֥י לֵאמֽוֹר׃ 

Then the word of the LORD came to me:

הֲכַיּוֹצֵ֨ר הַזֶּ֜ה לֹא־אוּכַ֨ל לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת לָכֶ֛ם בֵּ֥ית יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל נְאֻם־יי הִנֵּ֤ה כַחֹ֙מֶר֙ בְּיַ֣ד הַיּוֹצֵ֔ר כֵּן־אַתֶּ֥ם בְּיָדִ֖י בֵּ֥ית יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃         

O House of Israel, can I not deal with you like this potter?—says the LORD. Just like clay in the hands of the potter, so are you in my hands, O House of Israel!

The Almighty with kindness and patience formed the ancient nation of Israel. Many times instead of destroying it due to its sin as a nation, Israel (and Judah) was formed over and over again, until becoming the reflection of the beauty intended. Although these words of judgement and hope were specifically to the ancient nation of Israel, its principles have implications for everyone. The LORD has patience with each one of us, as  our character is formed, developed into a perfect work of art by the Great Artesian. An Artesian that seems so far, who transcends our universe and existence. However, perhaps closer to the work of his hands more than we may realize it.

The same way, we can follow this great example of patience and produce some of the most beautiful items or events in our lives and the lives of others. Do not give up, just start over again.

In the following this artist's patience produced some of the most beautiful pieces from clay. It is a little long; however, take the time to think about your own life as you enjoy watching the talent and amazing pieces of art that comes from the hands of this potter.

לֵ֣ב טָ֭הוֹר בְּרָא־לִ֣י אֱלֹהִ֑ים וְר֥וּחַ נָ֝כ֗וֹן חַדֵּ֥שׁ בְּקִרְבִּֽי׃ 

אַל־תַּשְׁלִיכֵ֥נִי מִלְּפָנֶ֑יךָ וְר֥וּחַ קׇ֝דְשְׁךָ֗ אַל־תִּקַּ֥ח מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ 

הָשִׁ֣יבָה לִּ֭י שְׂשׂ֣וֹן יִשְׁעֶ֑ךָ וְר֖וּחַ נְדִיבָ֣ה תִסְמְכֵֽנִי׃ 

Psalm 51:12-14

A thought on Disney's films

A few years ago, in the early 1990’s,  HBO and Disney produced a series of adaptations of classical fairytales and other stories by European writers to African American, Asian and Hispanic contexts. I wrote to Disney at the time, complaining and sharing some idea. In reply I got their lawyer’s letter stating that they were returning the letter because it included original ideas. Perhaps, if they used any of the ideas, they thought I could claim some payment, which I did not think of it. Maybe I should have proposed a business deal. Why I did not think of it? Probably because I was thinking of the ethical issues instead of the profit.  One of these days I should start thinking about profit too.

My complain was about appropriation of classical work by European writers, when African Americans, African nations, Asians, and Hispanics have a great and rich collection of their own stories, legends and fairytales. There was not need to change the characters of Andersen’s from “white” to darker skins people in another culture. Especially when the story does not feet at all the realities of these communities. However, I should mention that some of the stories by some of these writers were adaptations to their own communities of stories from other European nations. One example is the Emperor’s New Clothes (Kejserens nye klæder) by Christian Hans Andersen. The original story is found in the Spanish classic Libro de los ejemplos del conde Lucanor y de Patronio (tale numer 32) from 1335 Spain by Don Juan Manuel. The author was also drawing from tales and stories of Muslim Spain, India, Greece and other Arabic speaking nations. However, differently from Disney’s versions, the writer left the stories as they were found, except for the translations or an adaptation to their own culture, not to someone else’s culture.

There have also been films in which “minority” actors or actresses have sold themselves for a few dollars to portray negatively a fictitious character, for an example someone from an Arab country or Greek. Take the film Zorba the Greek or the opera Carmen. These make woman very low characters and abused justifying their death and the apathy of the community. Although, the writer’s intent may have been different, the outcome of these work on the screen portrays the female very negative. Tragically in the days of the story Greece, Crete, Spain, and other nations had laws that granted justification to man for violence against women or prevented proper prosecution of the perpetrators. In other cases, women are the villains as it was often in Disney’s earliest cartoons. To rescue them a new series of ridiculous films have been produced to justify or clarify why these poor villains became so evil.

My advice to Disney et al. was to carefully research stories and legends from Africa, Ibero America, native and first nations communities, and Asia. They would find stories that they could present in animation or a film with actresses and actors from those nations or ethnic groups.  To attempt the pseudo contextualization of European tales to “minority” communities, is condescending and one of the worse patronizing insults. Just as a “white” man playing a black or Native American person instead of hiring actors from those communities. This does not happen often as it did years ago.  Nevertheless, it can still be found in animation, when “white” voice actors and actresses imitate stereotypical voices of black or Hispanic characters. That seems to be the case of the Wild Kratts in PBS.

There is a place to adopt ways other cultures dress or how they play music, as long as it is done with respect and mutual agreement and understanding. Today there is no much difference of the way a professional business man dresses regardless of ethnicity (often reflecting whoever is the majority in that country). However, most of the time, the borrower or thief of cultures and someone else’s legends is a naked self-deceived emperor and exposed by a child.

Since the original story is not on film, as far as I know, here is Andersen’s adaptation of one of the story in Libro de los ejemplos del conde Lucanor y de Patronio which he titled Kejserens nye klæder. The work of Don Juan Manuel can be heard in castellano at https://youtu.be/bDbN2WPvaxI and Cuento 32 can be read at http://www.cervantesvirtual.com/obra-visor/el-conde-lucanor--0/html/00052e2a-82b2-11df-acc7-002185ce6064_2.html#I_35_

There is so much we can learn from this short tale:

 

 

Fraternité, Égalité, Liberté

Through history many different groups struggled for equality and freedom. They have stood against all type of oppression and discrimination, either ethnic or religious ones. However, when we look at these events we cannot avoid to ask: Were they struggling for freedom and equality or for power and money?

In South Africa one of the worse racist systems was called apartheid. It set limits to the life and “freedom” of non “white.”  This system caused some great injustices against minority as well as “majority” ethnic groups. Eventually Frederik W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela dismantled the apartheid system. Instead of freedom and equality, some groups on both sides of the so called “white” Africans and the black Africans have sieged power and money. This is leading the nation’s government into corruption, as it happened in other African nations. The dreams about equality and freedom have not become a reality yet, except power and money for a few black leaders. In Cuba, Fidel Castro Ruz together with various other leaders overcame the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar. This brought a time of freedom, but eventually led the Castro family to siege power. Fidel’s mistake was to dogmatize Marxism instead of seeing it as part of an interpretation and a developing, evolving, ideology of economy. A greater error was to allow the development a government controlled by families. In that sense, no too much difference from the previous government. Similarly, the former Soviet Union, after the victory over the Zar and his dictatorial system by the Bolshevik and allies, allowed the development of administrations like that of Joseph Stalin. No, communism cannot be blamed for it, much less Marxism. Socialists within the Soviet Union as well as in Cuba, and around the world raised questions and opposition to any type of oligarchy. just as Democracy in the USA cannot be blamed for the power games of its politicians from left or right. When would there be a politician who wants the power to serve the people instead of himself or herself and closest friends?

Classic historical revolutionary events had similar outcomes. Simón Bolívar y Ponte fought against the Spanish Empire through South America. While he is praised as a hero of freedom, his fighting empowered more the new aristocracy of Ibero America. In North America, over a century earlier, the 13 English Colonies declared independence from England. In their declaration and constitution, they spoke of equality and freedom, even about something as abstract as the pursue of happiness. Obviously, their struggle was not for true freedom, rather to empower the already powerful with freedom from the more powerful King. They never thought of the slaves, except for a few comments by Thomas Jefferson, neither about the “first” nations or Native people. They became expansionists and colonizers invading land where Spanish nations were already settled for centuries and Native people territories. Of course, many Spanish and French were guilty of the same crimes. The encounter of the Spanish and the Native people of the Caribbean region in 1492 and 1493 brought so much good, but also developed into so much evil.  The Civil War in the USA was supposedly for the freedom of the African slaves and the abolishment of all type of slavery. However, like in South Africa, racism and all type of ethnic prejudices are still embedded deep into the political system of these nations. In 1898 the USA got involved in the Hispanic American War, the struggle for independence of the Spanish colonies from Spain. That led to the USA colonizing Cuba, Guam, Philippines, and Puerto Rico. The last remaining a colonial territory until this day.

In religious circles some people speak of freedom, but often it is an excuse to avoid obedience to the divine instructions. There are those in Christianity advocating for the Gospel vs. the Law. The Conservative evangelicals vs. the Liberal evangelicals, often to avoid their social justice responsibilities. Nevertheless, there is the fundamentalism of liberalism that do not consider other views to be valid and accurate, unless they meet their interest. No too much different from conservative views in religion and politics. In Judaism some Reform have developed a Rabbinical tradition that replaced the Orthodox Rabbinical tradition. Just as Karaites rejects Rabbinical tradition for their own. Orthodox redefined Judaism creating fences after fences that eventually made the beauty and freedom of Judaism and the Torah something unbearable. Christianity rejects often the “Laws” of the “Old Testament” while developing their own canon of laws, at times “stricter” than those from the Hebrew Bible; in popular religion or the organized institutions, like some Pentecostals, a system of senseless requirements. Again, the power of tradition.

Christians were a persecuted minority within the Roman empire, a sect of First Temple Judaism, eventually becoming no the liberator but the oppressive power of the Roman Empire. Through Europe, centuries later, nations would adopt some type of Christianity as the State Religion, becoming persecutors of those who may disagree. They became powerful and wealthy, free from the Roman Catholic Church to oppress others, as Luther did against the Jews and Anabaptists.

Then, what is true freedom and equality? Is this ever possible? The French proudly have their revolutionary slogan: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité. These words have become the motto of many people struggling for freedom and equality. No, I am not a pessimist. Many good things happened due to all the events I listed above. However, something went wrong. Perhaps, the order in the slogan that in one form or another was in the minds of people long time before the French revolution, needed to change to: Fraternité, Égalité, Liberté. Seeing each other as true brethren and sisters, as equal is the way to lead into freedom. It is the way to avoid that a few anywhere in the world will control the power and money and become the new oppressors. It is not the left neither the right, it is human selfishness.

In the modern State of Israel there is still conflicts and struggles for freedom and equality. This is happening within the people called today as Palestinians as well as among all Israeli citizens, including Jews, but especially the Domari people (the Gypsies of the Middle East). Some administrations of the Israeli government have been good while others have been horribly bad, just as we had “good” kings and bad kings in ancient Israel and Judah. Today is not that much difference, regardless of the romanticism of some politicians and even Rabbis, and the Evangelical Christian right-wing preachers around the world. This tragic reality is happening even among Palestinians in the territories under their administration.

Fraternité is the fundamental part to build a true society of equality and freedom. A society where chauvinists still are powerful or where feminists reject any male leadership, or where “minorities” become powerful oppressive “majority,” that is not freedom, neither equality. It is just the recycling of the same human selfishness and narcissist tendencies. again, we must remeber the words from the Psalm (133:1):

 הִנֵּ֣ה מַה־טּ֭וֹב וּמַה־נָּעִ֑ים שֶׁ֖בֶת אַחִ֣ים גַּם־יָֽחַד׃

The hope for true freedom and equality was expressed during the Franco’s dictatorship in Spain by Waldo de los Ríos and interpreted Miguel Ríos, in the song Himno a la Alegría. The lyrics they gave to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy (last part or movement of the 9^th symphony, music written for the original work of Friedrich Schiller).  The song starts by addressing the listeners as “hermano” (hermana is implied). It starts on the right direction, Fraternité. Miguel Ríos interpreted this song at a concert of RTVE against the wishes of the dictadura franquista.

 

 

It is going to be better tomorrow, there is hope

 “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Jorge (George) Agustín Nicolás Ruiz de Santayana y Borrás, wrote in The Life of Reason, 1905

“One thing I know as an historian: every previous pandemic has ended”: wrote a friend in an e-mail.  These words should be on the front pages of the newspapers. In Spanish there is a popular saying: “No hay mal que dure cien años ni cuerpo que lo resista.” However, there is hope that evil or illnesses will be overcome. It may take another year or even seven more years for this pandemic to be under control or over, but it will come to an end. Tragically until it is over, so many people have suffered this horrible illness or have lost their lives. The worse part of this story is that it could have been prevented if was not for the arrogance and political games of a few demagogues around the world. Politicians that all they care is about their ratings, hence their popularity. Self-worshiping narcissists. This type of mental illness is as bad as the current pandemic. It empowered the epidemic to become a pandemic. Just as their narcissism led them to become demagogues and dictators (not in the technical Roman sense, but in the worse practical way).

After every storm there is a beautiful shining day, although a lot of work to recover. Nevertheless, there is hope, there is the strength and resiliency to live and make a better future for the next generations.  Germany survived the horrible experience of one of the worse dictatorships. Japan did not let the horrible tragedy of the war crime against Hiroshima and Nagasaki stop them. London was rebuilt. Manhattan did not let stop its people from striving for a better NY after September 11^th terrorist attacks. Palestinians and Israelis are striving to build a better life for everyone, regardless of their politicians’ power games. African Americans and other “minority” ethnic groups in the USA are becoming all they can be regardless of systematic institutionalized racism.  The Jewish people strived for the best out of the suffering and ashes of the Inquisition and the Holocaust. Racism, antisemitism, bigotry, prejudices, ignorant and arrogant politicians, neither this pandemic will stop humanity to live as a reflection of the image of the character of its Creator. There is hope. Regardless of what anyone else says, there are good people in this world. There is still love and compassion. There are still many more beautiful songs to write and sing. There is still many more great paintings and sculptures to be done and bring beauty to overcome the ugliness of the pseudo contemporary art. There are more people who want peace than war. There are many more peaceful homes than homes where domestic violence is worse than the pandemic. There is hope for changes in those homes that are suffering domestic violence. So, do not give up. Never surrender. There is hope. It will be over soon. Needless to say, do not just seat there to wait for change. It is time for action. Time to be an instrument of change. Follow health guidelines to protect yourself and others. Vote for candidates who are in fact people who care and have the knowledge and commitment to serve your communities. Learn, study, understand, acquire knowledge, become wise, full of understanding for your sake and the future of your own children and others. Do everything in your power to contribute to a better future and what you cannot accomplish the next generation will take care of it. However, set a good foundation.

The Holy One of Israel, through the prophets, promised a new earth, a new world full of justice, peace, free from illness, free from pain and sorrows. It is up to us to see that new world. We must build that new world today as instruments of the Creator.

In 1492 there was a new world “discovered.” An unknown world for the Europeans. The native communities encountered another civilization. What a beautiful day when nations so apart from each other encountered each other, discovered each other, found each other. What a beautiful future was ahead. Suddenly all those dreams were destroyed by selfishness, envy, hunger for power, racism, prejudices, religious bigotry, and so much evil. We should not let that happen again. Only unselfish attitudes and a commitment to find the best for everyone can overcome the evil in this world, illness, wars and all the ugliness of violence and poverty. Selfishness will hinder the creation of a new society. Pessimism and the low view on the human nature is only another stumble toward a better humanity. We can do better than our ancestors, who tried their best and better than those who did not care enough. Do not give up, the storm will be over soon.

אַֽל־תִּזְכְּר֖וּ רִאשֹׁנ֑וֹת וְקַדְמֹנִיּ֖וֹת אַל־תִּתְבֹּנָֽנוּ׃

הִנְנִ֨י עֹשֶׂ֤ה חֲדָשָׁה֙ עַתָּ֣ה תִצְמָ֔ח הֲל֖וֹא תֵדָע֑וּהָ אַ֣ף אָשִׂ֤ים בַּמִּדְבָּר֙ דֶּ֔רֶךְ בִּישִׁמ֖וֹן נְהָרֽוֹת׃ 

Isaiah 43:18-19