Anyone involved in instilling Jewish values in the general public encounters three possible reactions.
Some respond happily and thank you for the care and dedication. Some politely say, 'No, thank you.' And some are defiant: "Why are you even contacting me?! What are you meddling in my life?!"'
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It's hard to have a conversation with the latter, because they are loaded with anger and prejudice. You tell them: "I'm reaching out to you because I care about you. Because I believe that the values of Judaism will enrich your life and give a richer and deeper meaning to your Judaism.".
And he slams you: "I don't want you to enrich my life. My life is good and rich even without you, and I don't want to hear anything from you.".
Mirror image
The same pattern of response also happens in the other direction. The Ministry of Health comes and tries to convince the public to take precautions, social distancing, wearing masks, avoiding crowds. Some understand the importance of this and comply. Others respond with indifference or evasion. And some are defiant: "Why are you interfering in our lives?".
The authorized authorities try to explain that it is for the public's own good, for the health of the father and mother, the grandfather and grandmother. These measures are intended to curb the spread of the disease, to prevent the collapse of the wards in the medical centers. The words are sensible, logical, convincing. But those who come with a charge slam back: "Don't be nice. Don't worry about us and don't interfere in our lives.".
This is the discourse that has developed among us recently. The extremists on both sides do not trust the sincerity of the intentions of those who address them. They are convinced that their tendencies are evil, malicious. They are certain that their only desire is to take control of them and impose on them lifestyles that are foreign to them.
But maybe we can relax a little? Silence the drums of war. Stop seeing others as enemies. Stop loading every proposal and every decision with malicious intent. Truly believe in his sincerity.
Whoever approaches you and invites you to put on tefillin truly wants you to be well, to feel a close and sweet connection with the Creator of the world. And whoever asks you to wear a mask truly wants you and those around you to be healthy and protected.
Lower the level
The whole system of arguments that immediately throws the claim at the other side is a bit childish. Children tend to respond: "And why him?" A grown man doesn't jump off the roof claiming that someone on the other side did it. And if someone drives wildly, is that a reason that justifies such driving on my part as well?
Some explain their alienation from Jewish tradition by the various actions of those who seem to them to be 'representatives of religion.' But what is the logic in this? Is this a reason to rob yourself of the connection to the heritage of your ancestors? To deprive your children of the spiritual treasures of the Jewish people and the love for the tradition of generations?
And by the same token, if people disregard the instructions and gather on the beach, in Tel Aviv or in Balfour – is that a reason for me to disregard them too? Aren't I harming myself, my friends, my family, my community. My disregard could cause them to get sick, suffer, and maybe worse.
Let's believe in each other, accept the truth from each other, lower our anger levels, and strive to be a united and cohesive people.
