More Thankful than Ever

If there has ever been a year where I feel more gratitude for living in America than in any other year, this is that year. I say that full well realizing what happened a few weeks ago in Pittsburgh. Where 11 Jews were massacred by an antisemite. 

Unfortunately that incident was used by some people to highlight the supposed increase in antisemitism in this country. Some even compared it to 1938 Germany. That we need to heed the ‘warning signs’ now that the Jews of that time missed. Added to this was the ADL report that antisemitic incidents have increased this year by 56%.

I said at the time that this attitude was either naïve or downright misleading. We have unprecedented acceptance here. More than anywhere else in the world at any other time in the last 2000 years of Jewish history. Not in the golden era of Frankfurt. Not even in the golden era of Spain. Not anywhere. 

It was precisely the tragedy in Pittsburgh that brought this home to me. Again.  There was so much solidarity with us at that time from all walks of American life that even I – a strong believer in the essential goodness of the American people - was surprised.

America is truly different than any other country in the world. No where in the world where antisemitism raised its ugly - and even more deadly head did we get the kind of solidarity with fellow citizens than we did here.  There were so many instances of that shown in so many different ways. That clearly shows why America is truly different.

Sure, we have to be vigilant. If Jewish history it has taught us anything at all, it has taught us that. But in the year 2018 the possibility that the American people would suddenly turn against us the way Europeans always have with - at the very least – indifference to our suffering - is extremely unlikely.

What about the idea expressed by Rashi in this week’s  Parsha that Esav Sonei L’Yaakov?  (Bereishis 33:4) 
The Meforshim (rabbinic commentators throughout Jewish history) interpret hating us as the natural instinct of all of Esav's descendants (non Jews). 

Perhaps. But I believe that it applies to a certain type of Esav – like the murderer that massacred 11 of us in Pittsburgh. Or any kind of antisemite - latent or overt. (And possibly the majority of Europe even today.) But as we also know there are Chasidei Umos HaOlam among Esav even in Europe. In America - I believe that it applies to the vast majority of Americans.

The melting pot ideology that once defined us - no longer does. It is no longer seen as the ideal represented by our motto of  E pluribus unum – out of many – one. In the past this meant that a Jew needed to reject his heritage in favor of a new identity as an American – all of us alike with no ancestral, ethnic, or religious ‘baggage’ attached. 

Thankfully that motto has taken on the opposite meaning in our day. The unique heritage of every immigrant is respected. That is what unites us. And that makes us all one people with liberty and justice for all. We practice our Judaism freely and proudly. And are admired by our fellow citizens while doing so. 

God bless this great country. I thank God almost every day for my good fortune in living here .

Happy Thanksgiving.