This past week, all of us were shocked by yet another assassination of a political leader: Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist who galvanized millions of people and had a lasting effect on American politics. The loss of his life is tragic.
In Parshat N’tzavim, which we read this Shabbat and also on Yom Kippur morning, Moses greets the people as he prepares them to enter the land. He has his own agenda, and he is deeply concerned that after he dies, the people will turn away from following the covenant. Still, he makes a point of recognizing every person present and including them in the community. Following the opening words of the portion, “Atem N’tzavim, You stand, today, all of you, before Adonai your God,” he names all represented, women, men and children, and every level of social status, from the tribal chief to the water drawer. Some commentators even suggest that when Moses includes in the covenant “those who are not with us here today,” this is an acknowledgment of those who oppose him.
The community of Israel has never been monolithic. Spirited debate has always been a Jewish value, from Abraham arguing with God over Sodom and Gomorrah to the differing opinions that dominate the Talmud. The capacity of opposing sages to treat each other with respect, pray together and even marry into each other’s houses is held up as the way to conduct controversies that are “for the sake of heaven.”
The statement made by killing Charlie Kirk – that violence is necessary to make your point and that it is better to kill someone with whom you disagree than to speak out for your own point of view – is even more frightening than the death itself. This has happened recently on both sides of the political spectrum, and the stands we take must be focused on reducing this kind of violence, rather than pointing the finger at any one side.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah next week, let’s make the coming High Holy Days a time of communal reflection, joy, and helpful conversations that bring each other understanding and insight.
Wishing all of you a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Jeff Saxe
