This week we read Parshat Acharei Mot/Kedoshim, which includes a discussion of what it means to be holy.
We also read about the Yom Kippur ritual where a goat was sent to the wilderness carrying the sins of the community with it. Often commentators use the description of this ritual to remind us of how easy it can be to scapegoat an innocent person and blame them for things for which they have no responsibility.
I can’t help but think of the recent suicide in Massachusetts and the horrible consequences of bullying. I think we live in a world where too often we pick on individuals who appear easy targets to carry our sins and mistakes. I hope that when we see someone innocent under attack, we can find creative ways to support those who suffer the consequences of being bullied.
This week we also celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the State of Israel and as I sat at a lecture about Zionism recently, I was inspired once again by Theodore Herzl’s quote, Im tirtzu, ain zo aggadah…if you will it, it is no dream.
I hope that each of us will be inspired by our State of Israel, to continue to dream about ways in which we can make a difference. Israel may not be a perfect place and politically we might disagree, but we can never forget the wonderful ways in which Israel had provided a home for many who were bullied and scapegoated during WW II. We must also celebrate the specialness of knowing that we have a spiritual home that unites us with our ancestors and reminds us of our connection with our roots. We pray for the leaders of Israel that they will be guided to make wise decisions that will lead to a peaceful future.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Bruce