Reply to ynnatchkah

Submitted by David Sabghir (United States), Dec 31, 2007 at 18:42

I intended my comments as self-criticism and 'within the family' so to speak.

It is easy to be totally disgusted with the "system" and with what can be seen as callousness and hypocrisy. Over thousands of years, many of our brethren have fallen by the wayside. Yet, as a tiny percentage of mankind, the Jews have made stupendous contributions to Human Societies, in far greater percentages than could be expected.

There are those unsung heroes, who plod on to bring the redemption mitzvah by mitzvah. Just as we read in the Torah that the children of Yakov had different qualities, so to, different Jews have different qualities.

Each person can do their unique part to make this world a better place. It is not always so easy to ascertain what exactly is one's role in the greater scheme of things. For some it is learning, for others it is doing. This goes back to Yissacher and Zevulun and prior to that to Yakov and Esau....One might easily say that Esau resented Yakov. Their natures were not the same and they each had a tafkid (purpose).

According to chazal (the rabbis), (and generally accepted by Jews), the Beis HaMikdash was destroyed because of the hatred between Jews. It is very difficult to overcome this problem, which has plagued Judaism for thousands of years. Sometimes, if one attends a few thousand shiurim, these important lessons penetrate a tiny bit. So, should one give up just because it takes a great effort?

As we say in Pirkei Avos (Ethics of the Fathers), e.g. in a place where there are no men, be a man.

But, as Nathan Straus (who Netanya is named after), the co-owner of Macy's and philanthropist, understood, a Jew who learns the Torah is earning his keep in this world. That realization saved him from sailing on the Titanic with his brother Isaac.

So, do not despair and stay the course! But give credit to those who support us, who are righteous Gentiles and from whom we sometimes can take hope and inspiration!

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