Do you know the difference between a Jewish pessimist and a Jewish optimist?
The Jewish pessimist says, “Things can’t possibly get any worse.”
The Jewish optimist says, “Sure they can!”
The 5784 year often felt that way to Jews everywhere. Last year is gone, and as a Sephardic prayer-poem for Rosh HaShanah has it, “Let the old year and its curses end!”
As a rabbi, I’d normally not say that; every year is a combination of good and bad for everyone, and Judaism teaches us to understand that both come from God. We are enjoined to accept the good and blessing we receive along with the misfortune and challenges we experience, taught to make choices that allow goodness to grow and bad to be as limited as it can be. It is always our choice between those alternatives, although we don’t control the end results fully. What we do control is our own actions.
Still, last year wasn’t good.
The trouble began in earnest October 7, at the worst Simchat Torah in my lifetime, with the horrifying atrocities committed by Palestinian terrorists. There was also the shocking realization that Israel’s vaunted military, intelligence, and political leadership allowed this to be perpetrated. The international response, and the response here in America, particularly on college campuses, was shocking, too, and devastatingly immoral. Some people denied that what was well-documented by the perpetrators themselves actually happened. Suddenly, antisemites crawled out from under rocks everywhere, emboldened by the killing of Jews and the apparent display of weakness.
After a year of war, there is no clear end in sight, and we see reports of problems regularly in the media.
So, what are the positives we can take from this uniquely crummy year as we move along in 5785?
Let’s start with Israel: When I visited on a solidarity mission in January and February, there were reminders everywhere Israel was at war. There were posters and electronic displays and signs and songs and tableaus reminding us, constantly, of the hostages. There were shivas for soldiers killed in Gaza, a steady flow of news and concerns about the war. But the cafes and restaurants were full; traffic and work and the incredible energy of that amazing country were on full display. Much of life seemed normal. That’s amazing, and incredibly reassuring.
And just as clearly, in the news from the various military fronts, Israel’s tactical successes have been remarkable. From the dark depths of October 7th, and the harsh realities the hostages have been forced to experience by Palestinian terrorists, Israel has turned the tide, taken the initiative back, and has the upper hand, aided by American support and the cooperation of many other nations.
In America and around the world, friends of Israel have come forward, too, forcefully and effectively. I wear my Kippah and the dog tag signifying solidarity with Israeli hostages everywhere—and have received many assurances of support, so much friendship and solidarity from people everywhere. In Tucson, it’s been in banks and restaurants and on the street, in airports and at events. It happens visiting relatives in Texas and Massachusetts and California and Colorado; at ballgames and concerts; really, everywhere people express support, and their disgust at the antisemitism that has arisen. For all the hostility we see publicized, the vast majority of people understand Israel is not in the wrong here; that Jews are fellow citizens who make a positive difference in society; that all the noise being generated against us is just that, noise. Our sister congregation in Oro Valley, Church of the Apostles, came forward with friendship and support, each member signing a huge card supporting us after October 7.
The tide of American public opinion is changing. Some of this is the result of Israel’s recent intelligence coups and military success against its enemies, Iran’s proxies. Americans prefer victors to victims, and the horrors of October 7 demonstrated tragic levels of both arrogance and complacency. The destruction in Gaza is tragic and sad; but the elimination of Hamas as a fighting force is not mourned by anyone who cares about human life or the potential for long-term peace, nor is the weakening of Hezbollah.
We American Jews have long been experiencing a golden age in America, and it isn’t over. The potential of this Jewish community, its relative security, wealth and significance, remains tremendous. We are broadly accepted, involved at every level of American society and culture, and we will overcome the issues that have arisen the past year. These challenges are not permanent; they will fade, and sanity, at least for Jews, will return.
It’s funny, really: people are now upset that some of the recent TV streaming shows about Jews aren’t sophisticated enough. What’s the latest one—Kristen Bell as a non-Jewish podcaster who falls in love with a “hot rabbi”? Amazing. I don’t think that series gets made ten years ago.
We shouldn’t ignore the very real challenges we face, or stop supporting the synagogues and organizations that help Israel and fight antisemitism. But being able to live a fully Jewish life openly is a great gift, and having the opportunity right now in Tucson, Arizona to pray, study, help, celebrate and embrace that in this relatively new year of 5785 is indeed a promise of blessings.
The end of that prayer-poem is “Let the new year and its blessings begin!” Let’s make that so!
