Speak Up. Or Others Will Speak for You.

[Somewhere, perhaps, a rabbi might begin a sermon as follows.]

My intention was to speak about Israel, but as I stand before you, I am hesitant.

On the one hand, at the High Holy Days, rabbis address the largest number of congregants we likely will see all year. If you have something important on your mind, this is the time to share it.

On the other hand, a less controversial topic, one more palatable to the greatest number of people, might be a better choice.

I have been conflicted as to which path to follow. In talking with my rabbinic colleagues, I am not alone in this quandary.

I decided that — because this is a time of such inflamed passions — it is appropriate to speak about the current situation.

Some of you have tried — in this congregation, and in the community at large — to foster constructive conversation about Israel. Regrettably, those efforts have fallen short.

The dogmatism on the extremes has made dialogue difficult, at best, and woe be it unto the person who dares to carve out a centrist position.

I fear that many of you have been cowed by the often shrill tone of arguments and have decided that you cannot or will not engage on issues related to Israel.

That is unfortunate.

Modern versions of the Al Chet (in Hebrew, “for the sin”) prayer recited multiple times during Yom Kippur, reference “the sin of silence and indifference.”

This is not the time for silence.

And any luxury of indifference vanished on Oct. 7, 2023.

What happened that day — and on all of the days since — has profoundly impacted Jewish communities globally.

As a community, we have grieved, we have held vigils, and we have watched from afar — a greater geographic than emotional distance, for many — as Israel has waged war against Hamas in Gaza.

You may have heard voices urging you to “support Israel,” but that phrase can be interpreted variously, and as I have asked before, which Israel are you talking about? Israel is more diverse ethnically, racially, culturally, religiously, politically, and economically than those who pay only casual attention may realize.

Other voices may say, “You are not an Israeli, so leave these issues to them.”

Let me suggest that, given the repercussions of the war on Jewish individuals, institutions, and businesses outside of Israel, the Jewish community has a right, perhaps an obligation, to speak up.

Speak up. Or others will speak for you.

If some of this sounds contradictory, please consider that multiple things can be true at the same time, things you agree with and things you don’t.

If your concern is for the hostages in Gaza, speak up. At this writing, they number 48, with maybe 20 still alive. Do not forsake or forget them.

If your concern is for the welfare of the Israeli people, as distinct from elements of its government, speak up.

If your concern is for the future of Israel as a democratic nation, speak up.

If your concern is for the U.S.-Israel relationship, speak up.

If your concern is the “made in the USA” label affixed to weapons and defensive systems that provide Israel with the ability to protect itself and the capability to wage war, speak up.

If your concern is for the safety of Jewish Americans in their neighborhoods, on their campuses, or in public spaces, speak up.

If your concern is that Jewish Americans have been abandoned by those once considered friends or ostracized by those once viewed as allies, speak up.

If your concern is the splintering of the Jewish American community, speak up.

If your concern is that younger Jewish Americans, particularly those raised with Tikkun Olam as a central value, find it difficult to square their upbringing with Israel’s military actions in Gaza, speak up.

If your concern is understanding what does and does not constitute antisemitism, speak up.

If your concern is that antisemitism has been politicized, speak up.

If your concern is understanding when criticism of Israel is and is not antisemitic, speak up.

If your concern is the antisemitism that permeates anti-Israel protests and is prevalent throughout social media, speak up.

If your concern is understanding what Zionism does and does not entail, speak up.

If your concern is for the Israel Defense Forces, speak up.

If your concern is for the civilian population of Gaza, particularly the children, speak up.

If your concern is for the future governance of Gaza, speak up.

My advice is the same, whatever your opinion and whatever concerns you hold.

Speak up. Or others will speak for you.