We are asked, in our generation, to fulfill the meaning of Rabbi Hillel’s words in our lifetime. We need to incorporate these questions into our everyday lives and acknowledge our duty to answer them. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}We must be inspired to take concrete actions to protect our hard won civil rights and liberties, which include religious freedom.
Taking steps to prevent anti-Semitism may be achieved by moving society’s focus away from imagined problems that falsely blame vulnerable groups such as immigrants, LGBT, racial and religious minority groups like the Jews. Real problems such as jobs, education, energy and the environment, rather, need to receive the urgent attention that they require. Each of us must ask, how can I change myself to direct attention to real problems? What inspires me to get involved to identify and solve real problems? The answers will be based on what each of us believes is the best thing to do. Actions can range from engaging with leaders and lawmakers to contacting news media. The important thing is to remind and insist that attention be directed to real problems and that solutions are found. The more active we Jews are in speaking up for the sake of legitimate problems, the more likely that minority groups will not be falsely accused of society’s ills. When we are resolute in our actions, we can answer our sage’s question “If I am not for me, who will be for me?” with confidence and a sense of purpose.
To continue, Rabbi Hillel’s second question asks, “If I am for myself only, what am I?” We Jews work diligently to help those who are in need. New mitzvah opportunities present themselves regularly and we are at the forefront of volunteering to help others. This important role in our lives should not change. We are challenged, rather, to protect ourselves from the hatred of anti-Semitism with the same diligent efforts that we commit to help others.
Hillel ends by asking, “If not now, when?” Hillel knew intrinsically that all our good intentions could end up as just words without actions. In our generation we are challenged to connect our Jewish heritage with responsibilities as effective citizens. For us, the time is now.
Mary Greenberg, Ph.D. is a member of the State of Kansas Holocaust Commission. Her commentary is based on “The Staying Power of Anti-Semitism and a Possible Explanation for Its Resilience,” which she gives at speaking engagements.{/mprestriction}
