In the wake of the Supreme Court’s overturning Roe v. Wade, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch consoled: “To live in a democracy is to be defeated often. The pendulum swings from victory to loss to victory again.” But, he continues: “Everything we receive from Jewish tradition pleads with us: Do not turn your back on the political process. Get more involved.”
Welcoming elite officers from the Israel National Defense College, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch discussed the importance of supporting Israel amid “the steadily rising temperature of Jew-hatred.” He said: “Israel has restored the freedom, the collective dignity, the respect and self-respect — the wellbeing — of the Jewish people. Our guests tonight protect all of us, including those who may be among their harshest critics.”
“Our sages teach that deceiving others deliberately is like ‘stealing people’s minds,’” says Rabbi Sam Natov. “When you lie, you steal someone’s right to the truth. You take away their ability to function in the real world. Your lie forces them to relate to something that is untrue, that never happened — and that changes reality.”
“In these days of crisis, as we still reel from one massacre, another one has already taken place,” says Rabbi Samantha Natov. “When our fears get the best of us, we may be tempted to retreat. It takes courage to stay invested, aligned and active — and that is at the heart of what it means to be a Jew.”
“The fundamental religious principle is the sanctity of life,” says Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch. “Every other religious principle flows from this foundational truth. No right is absolute. Your right to purchase firearms must be balanced with my right to life and safety. The massacre in Uvalde, Texas is yet another sign that our national health is deteriorating.”
“I am grateful beyond words for the privilege of sharing in your lives, celebrating with you in moments of joy, mourning with you in moments of sorrow,” says Rabbi Shira Gluck. “In the Talmud, Rabbi Chanina says: ‘Much have I learned from my teachers; even more from my friends, and, more than all others, from my students.’”
