They tell a story of two Jews who were sentenced to death by a firing squad. The sergeant called out, “Ready, Aim…!” Suddenly, one of the Jews cried out, “Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad!” His friend jabbed him in the ribs, “Sssh! You’ll get us in trouble.”
So often we, as Jewish people, have the tendency to almost be ashamed of who we are. We try to fit in and operate beneath the radar. Instead of confidently communicating our belief and identity, we try to hide it.
The truth is that it’s somewhat understandable considering the severe anti-Semitism that we have experienced over time. But in America we live in an environment that not only doesn’t harass, on the contrary respects, the Jewish people.
So why do we still walk with a Jewish stoop? Why are we still ashamed to demonstrate our Jewishness publicly?
I believe that the answer lies in education. Not only the education of our children, but that of ourselves as well. When we are thoroughly knowledgeable in what it means to be a Jew and we find true value in our Jewish involvement, we are more confident to share it with our neighbors and the world.
So I encourage you to get involved in some of the classes and services that we have to offer, you’ll be amazed at the affect that it will have in your life.
These are my thoughts; please share yours with me – I’d love to hear from you!