fbpx

A Moment in Time: Yom HaShoah – Who Defines the Jewish People?

[additional-authors]
April 8, 2021
Dear all,
As we commemorate Yom HaShoah/ Holocaust Memorial Day, we think deeply on what it means to be a Jew.
I am a Jew.
I am a Jew because my soul dances when I see a Hora.
I am a Jew whose heart is moved hearing the sound of Kol Nidre.
I am a Jew when I yearn for a meal in a deli.
I am a Jew with a sacred responsibility to make the world better.
I am a Jew, called to action when those without a voice need to be heard.
I am a Jew, standing with Israel.
I am a Jew, calling upon Israel to be a pluralistic voice.
I am a Jew who believes in God.
I am a Jew who does not believe in God the same way others might,
I am a Jew because when Jews in other parts of the world suffer, I feel it.
I am a Jew because when ANYONE in ALL parts of the world suffers, I feel it.
I am a Jew.
If I ever forget, I realize that Pharaoh knew it, Haman knew it, Hitler knew it, and countless haters throughout time knew it.
And I vow, on this Yom HaShoah, to ensure that Pharaoh, Haman, and Hitler will NOT define who I am or who we are. We are Jews not because others have hated us. We are Jews because we are bound at this moment in time to define our future by what we love.
With love and Shalom,
Rabbi Zach Shapiro
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

The Night I Was Gone With the Wind

The movie is bursting with multiple characters and human hearts looking for a place to go, hearts that go through their own internal civil wars.

Elul Anytime

Even off-peak moments offer infinite spiritual opportunities.

Bringing God Down to Earth

Mark Gerson’s new book, “God Was Right,” offers a continuous dance between ancient wisdom and modern science, and comes out with practical lessons on virtually every aspect of life.

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.