The Brisbane Synagogue

Archive for September, 2024

This past week, we received a touching message from a young member of our community who has been deeply moved by the heartbreaking events in Israel since Simchat Torah and the ripple effects they’ve had around the world. At a time when we’ve been reflecting on how we, as Jews, should respond to the rising tide of antisemitism, this message feels especially poignant. Sadly, this is an issue that has become all too urgent lately. From our conversations during the first lesson of our current JLI course, Outsmarting Antisemitism, a few key thoughts have emerged. First and foremost, while it’s essential to take practical steps to protect ourselves and our community, we must remember that hatred begins in the mind of the hater, not the hated. It’s important that we don’t internalize antisemitism or think that changing who we are will solve the problem. Instead, by embracing our Jewish identity with pride, we can make a difference not just for ourselves, but for other minority groups as well. Another important point is that we can fight antisemitism by deepening our connection to our rich heritage and traditions, and by helping others understand them, too. Filling the void with knowledge and understanding, and embracing Hashem’s mission for all of humanity, is a powerful way to combat ignorance and hate. We’re incredibly proud of our young community member, who has decided to become more actively involved and to deepen her knowledge of Yiddishkeit. Her commitment is a true inspiration. This week’s Torah portion tells us how Moses prepared our ancestors to enter the Land of Israel: “Hear, O Israel: Today, you are crossing the Jordan to come in to possess nations greater and stronger than you…a great and tall people, the children of giants… You shall know this day that it is Hashem your God who goes before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and subdue them before you; and you shall drive them out and destroy them quickly, as Hashem has spoken to you.” (Deuteronomy 9:1–3) Moses didn’t sugarcoat the challenges that lay ahead for the nation. But he reassured them that with faith, understanding, and the willingness to fight for what is right, they would be victorious. This lesson is just as relevant today. Throughout history, the Jewish people have faced tremendous challenges, and the modern world is no different. Israel, too, has faced and continues to face great trials, but time and again, it has emerged victorious—thanks to a combination of exceptional military strategy and the spiritual strength of Jews around the world, who have focused on Torah learning and performing good deeds, particularly the Mitzvot of Tefillin and Mezuzah, which are associated with both physical and spiritual protection. Despite the difficulties, the Land of Israel and the Jewish people continue to stand strong. It’s through our spiritual, physical, and moral strength that we will ultimately overcome the challenges we face, and bring about enduring peace. As Jews, we must always have faith in Hashem and His ongoing protection of the Land of Israel. The Torah reminds us: “A land which Hashem, your G‑d, cares for; the eyes of Hashem your G‑d are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year” (Deuteronomy 11:12). As we get closer to the High Holidays, it’s customary, beginning from the 15th of Menachem Av, to end our correspondences with a traditional blessing for a sweet New Year.

This past week, we received a touching message from a young member of our community who has been deeply moved by the heartbreaking events in Israel since Simchat Torah and the ripple effects they’ve had around the world. At a time when we’ve been reflecting on how we, as Jews, should respond to the rising tide of antisemitism, this message feels especially poignant. Sadly, this is an issue that has become all too urgent lately. From our recent conversations, a few key thoughts have emerged. First and foremost, while it’s essential to take practical steps to protect ourselves and our community, we must remember that hatred begins in the mind of the hater, not the hated. It’s important that we don’t internalize antisemitism or think that changing who we are will solve the problem. Instead, by embracing our Jewish identity with pride, we can make a difference not just for ourselves, but for other minority groups as well. Another important point is that we can fight antisemitism by deepening our connection to our rich heritage and traditions, and by helping others understand them, too. Filling the void with knowledge and understanding, and embracing Hashem’s mission for all of humanity, is a powerful way to combat ignorance and hate. We’re incredibly proud of our young community member, who has decided to become more actively involved and to deepen her knowledge of Yiddishkeit. Her commitment is a true inspiration. This week’s Torah portion tells us how Moses prepared our ancestors to enter the Land of Israel: “Hear, O Israel: Today, you are crossing the Jordan to come in to possess nations greater and stronger than you…a great and tall people, the children of giants… You shall know this day that it is Hashem your G‑d who goes before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and subdue them before you; and you shall drive them out and destroy them quickly, as Hashem has spoken to you.” (Deuteronomy 9:1–3) Moses didn’t sugarcoat the challenges that lay ahead for the nation. But he reassured them that with faith, understanding, and the willingness to fight for what is right, they would be victorious. This lesson is just as relevant today. Throughout history, the Jewish people have faced tremendous challenges, and the modern world is no different. Israel, too, has faced and continues to face great trials, but time and again, it has emerged victorious—thanks to a combination of exceptional military strategy and the spiritual strength of Jews around the world, who have focused on Torah learning and performing good deeds, particularly the Mitzvot of Tefillin and Mezuzah, which are associated with both physical and spiritual protection. Despite the difficulties, the Land of Israel and the Jewish people continue to stand strong. It’s through our spiritual, physical, and moral strength that we will ultimately overcome the challenges we face, and bring about enduring peace. As Jews, we must always have faith in Hashem and His ongoing protection of the Land of Israel. The Torah reminds us: “A land which Hashem, your G‑d, cares for; the eyes of Hashem your G‑d are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year” (Deuteronomy 11:12). As we get closer to the High Holidays, it’s customary, beginning from the 15th of Menachem Av, to end our correspondences with a traditional blessing for a sweet New Year. ברכת כתיבה וחתימה טובה, לשנה טובה ומתוקה – May you and your loved ones be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet new year. Wishing you an uplifting and meaningful Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Levi & Dvorah Jaffe