By Rabbi
Yisroel Shusterman
This
week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of
his late mother Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM
There was a time
when Jewish people's faith in the one G-d of Israel was challenged on a regular basis. During the Crusades,
for example, many thousands of Jews were forced to choose between the cross and
the sword: to either deny their Judaism and embrace the dominant faith, or die.
Countless Jews gave their lives al kiddush Hashem -- "in sanctification of
the name of G-d." They became martyrs for their faith and heroes for
eternity.
Thankfully, today it
doesn't often happen that we have to make that choice. Tragically, we still
have far too many martyrs nowadays; Jews who are blown apart by maniacal
suicide bombers for no other reason than that they are Jewish. But they weren't
asked to make a choice. They didn't choose martyrdom. It was forced upon them.
The Parsha this
week, Emor, (Vayikra (Leviticus) 21:1-24:23) discusses the commandments to
sanctify the name of G‑d and never to desecrate it (Leviticus
22:32). Generally, today, the concept of kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the name
of G‑d, is observed not by dying as Jews but by living as Jews.
How does a Jew give
G‑d a good name? When he or
she behaves as a good Jew should. When other people see a Jew behaving honestly
and uprightly, that gives Jews and Judaism a good reputation. And ultimately it
all goes back to Torah, the word of G‑d.
G‑d Himself gets the credit for the noble behavior of His people.
Some classic
scenarios would be returning money if you were given incorrect change in your favor
or calling attention to the fact that a client overpaid you. Although it is
only right to do these things, the fact is that others might have kept quiet
about it. When a Jew acts with honor he brings honor to his faith and his G‑d.
Sadly, it also works
in the reverse. Jewish people accused of being slumlords do not give Jews, or
the G‑d of Israel, a good name - especially when there may be some
grounds for the accusation.
Albert Einstein is
reputed to have once stated, "If my theories prove correct, the Germans
will claim me as a German, the French will say I am theirs and the Americans
will call me their own. If my theories are incorrect, they will all say I am a
Jew."
How proud are we
when one of our own does something especially noteworthy like winning a Nobel
Prize or performing a valiant humanitarian act. Conversely, how ashamed are we
if there is a moral or financial scandal involving one of our own.
I once protested to
the general manager of a radio station in our community because I felt he was
giving far too much exposure to Jews and Judaism in relation to our numbers
and, unfortunately, the publicity wasn't always flattering. At first he denied
it. But when I presented him with statistical proof, his plain and honest
answer was "Jews are news."
Fair or not, the
fact of life is that Jews are scrutinized far more carefully than others. Like
it or not, every Jew is representing his faith, his people and his G‑d. Ultimately, how
we act will bring fame or infamy upon all of us. May we all be proper and
successful ambassadors.
(Excerpts
from Chabad.org - from Rabbi Yossy Goldman)
A
Meaningful and Uplifting Shabbos to all!
