Hi,
Yesterday I said this is a great time for Jewish growth.
So I’m going to do something that Jews are used to.
Make an appeal!
But with a twist.
This one is not for money!
… I think of Entebbe, Uganda. 1976.
An air France plane is hijacked by Arab terrorists.
At one point, food is distributed to the Jewish hostages.
And some of the obviously observant passengers decline the non kosher food.
A secular Israeli also declines.
His friends laugh. “Moshe. Since when do you keep kosher?”
His answer was very powerful.
“When I’m held hostage because I’m a Jew?
I keep kosher!”
… These are unique times. The challenges facing Israel are enormous.
Soldiers are being held hostage. Major Israeli cities are being hit with missiles.
The IDF is doing its part to defend Israel. And we need to do ours.
We need to pray. Need to try to improve ourselves. To do extra acts of kindness.
But there’s another way we can respond.
The way Moshe did in Entebbe.
“Yes. I am a Jew. And I’m proud of it.
And now more than ever, I am going to express that with Jewish ritual!”
… There are many benefits to kosher.
It brings spirituality into our lives. And into the world.
Its one of the strongest reminders of our (and our children’s!) Jewish identity.
Kosher also reminds us of something that Jewish tradition says is so important at times like this.
Our bond with all Jews!
When we make a point of eating in a way that any Jew anywhere could join us.
… The N.Y Times described the scene as Israeli soldiers prepared to enter Lebanon.
“…The soldiers checked their night vision gear and ate an impromptu Sabbath meal.
Challah bread and kosher wine”.
What guaranteed that the Israeli soldiers could sit together as one and eat?
Kosher food!
… So here’s the appeal.
If we don’t keep kosher?
Let’s consider a small step.
Like limiting the non kosher food we eat. At least during this crisis.
Looking for the kosher brand even if we don’t always.
(Thirty percent of supermarket products have Kosher certification!)
Or making our Shabbat dinner special this week by making it Kosher.
Some of us may have toyed with the idea of a Kosher home. But put it off.
Now is a great time!
(I’ll even help you!)
… It’s important to remember.
Small steps count and are very meaningful!
Questions about kosher? Decided to take a small step?
I would love to hear from you!
All the best,
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