Eliana, my 4-year-old daughter, just returned to in-person preschool. On Monday, she was excited to be dropped off outside with her mask and backpack on, walking into school with no parents. On Tuesday, she talked about finishing a project she started on Monday. But on Wednesday, while still snuggling in bed, she asked, “do I have to go to school?” Shocked at the question because Eliana loves school, I answered, “yes.” Then she continued, “do I have to wear a mask?”
We are living through an unprecedented moment in history. A pandemic has caused a lot of pain, suffering, isolation and death. Our nation is more divided than ever and because of it there has been a rise in anti-Semitism, hate speech and violence. The first time ever a President of the United States has been impeached not once, but twice. Many of us are probably asking, “do I have to….?”
We learn from the Prophet Isaiah to be an or l’goyim — a light to the nations. How can we, in today’s world accomplish this daunting task?
I recall the pictures of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel in 1963, marching side by side with Martin Luther King, saying “I’m praying with my feet.” THAT’S what it means to be an or l’goyim — a light to the nations.
I think about the days after the horrible events of 9/11 and remember people with different backgrounds, beliefs and views coming together in unity. THAT’S what it means to be an or l’goyim — a light to the nations.
I remember our chapel bursting at the seams after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting because people of all faiths came together to pray with us. THAT’S what it means to be an or l’goyim — a light to the nations.
I read the statements condemning violence and corruption that have flooded my inboxes and social media accounts. THAT’S what it means to be an or l’goyim — a light to the nations.
During this time, when 4-year-old children stop liking school because they have to wear a mask, conversion students question entering a minority group because of anti-Semitism, and we all have moments where we want to ask “do I have to…?” let us figure out how to be an or l’goyim — a light to the nations together.
This content is republished with the author’s permission. It first appeared in an email message to the congregation
Rabbi Sarah Smiley is associate rabbi at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
