My response to Anti-Semitism

One side point:

You wrote, "Every time we hear of a synagogue being burned in Europe we should want to go synagogue even more. Every time we read about someone attacking Israel, we should start planning our next trip to Tel Aviv."

I find the non-parallel structure of these sentence glaring. God did not give Israel to the Jewish people in order to visit there! God gave us Israel in order for us to DWELL in His land. Next time someone makes an anti-Israel remark, think about ALIYAH!!

I am currently dealing with anti-semitism in my own life. Reading "My response to Anti-Semitism " by Rabbi Chaim Levine reminded me how strong I have to be. I am being strong, and will not step down to those more ignorant and intolerant than I. Thank you for that article.

i never thought of it that way.

hey, i'm a proud jew. yesterday, 11/13/05 in los angeles, some guy started cutting me off in traffic, i pulled up next to him, and said "i don't have a problem, are you anti-semitic?" he said "why don't you go home and light a candle" i responded with anger and, if not for his girlfriend it wouldve been bad. two weeks ago, my little car was keyed all around because i had a orange gush katif ribbon and a hebrew pro-katif sticker in the rear window. now, i really would like to talk to you about this. why? i would love to wear my kippa all the time. but it's gonna cost me 600$ to fix the car, and i really don't want to get into any fights. also do not, repeat, do not like to take bs from antisemites. by the way, i am not a fighter, at all. (please aish. you're welcome to give my email to the author)

I agree with you that anti-Semitism must be fought. But what Synagogues in Europe which are burning are you talking about?

In Switzerland where I live there was "only" one prayer-room burning since a long time. The fire in the room was caused by a physically-ill Italian.

Shavua tov,
Eliaou

Of all the many and diferent forms that Jew hating has worn over the years they all have had this in common: to test our devotion. The Christians hated us for being different. The Nazis, may their names be erased, recognized that no amount of intermarriage could change us. Today, the international community, having adopted some of the values that we have been dying for over the centuries, has decided that we, as embodied in the State of Israel, are not Jewish enough. How dare we treat the "palestinians" so unairly? Yes, indeed, "Go back to Jerusalem." The fact that they are ignorant of the whole truth requires us to be ever more vigilant, as you have said. Like it or not, we are the reason Hashem created everything. Yes, those who hate us will get theirs from Hashem when the time is right, but our devotion to Hashem will hasten their disappearance, while building our world according to HaShem's peaceful intention.

Very inrested in learning more!

I am a Christian American woman, but I think that the most masculine thing a Jewish man can do is to wear a yarmulka. I stand up for what I believe in, and to see them stand up for Israel and the Jews in humility before God - even in the face of persecution - is awesome.

I loved this article! It made me appreciate how being Jewish is something I should hold close, and not hide in fear of others crude remarks. I will take this article in my heart always.

these kinds of articles are so important for Jewish people to have a deeper and greater understanding of what it truly means to be am yisrael(the people of israel). when we read about the true struggles of others it helps us in our own struggles. please print more of these pieces, especially where the writer really discusses the issues, feelings and experiences they have. when they go into depth, it helps the reader also go into the depth of their own heart and experience.

thanks for this valuable piece.

Great Article R' Levine:

I am a Ba'al T'Shuvah in the United States Coast Guard. I became Ba'al T'Shuvah three years ago when I met my wife. Since then, I've worn a yarmulke
every day and tzitzis (most of the time), in and out of uniform, except, when it posed a perceived threat to good order and discipline or when an explicit waiver has not been granted by my chain of command.

Ever since I put on a yarmulke, I've been either praised or condemned. Praised, because other religious Jews and religious Christians, appreciate someone who defends and practices their faith without compromise. Condemned, by Jews and non-Jews alike, who feel uncomfortable with someone who doesn't conform to the accepted norm, or who feel that I am bring unwarranted (negative) attention to other Jews.

I've even been told by Jewish Chaplains that I'm either meshuggeneh or my desire to wear the yarmulke is indefensible (not a battle they choose to fight). After all, there is no halachic basis (basis in Torah for the Kippah), other than by Rabbinic decree.

They are unwilling to fight the fight, even though it (the wearing of a yarmulke) is largely accepted in the other services.

My point is with so many Jews in the military choosing to marry non-Jews and abandoning their Judaism or doing nothing to ensure that their children are raised as Jews, why is their so much negativity towards someone who wants to be observant and wants to set a correct example for his (step-)children.

Even my Rabbi (Chabad) has written a letter on my behalf and they seem to be unmoved.

Another issue is that Christmas and other Christian beliefs can be expressed openly without restriction (except the wearing of the cross) while Christians are in uniform.

Why is that I should remain silent when Christmas and other Christian music is played in my office or at other offices on my base?

Any thoughts?

Moishe Lewack, Maryland

Dear Rabbi,

Are you aware of the fact that on the campuses of many prestigious American universities, undisguised anti-Semitism is rampant, and growing?

At UCLA, one popular leaflet,(passed out by both "Pro-Palestinian" and "anti-globalist" student organizations) the world's major conflicts are described as: "THE WAR BETWEEN CIVILIZATION AND ITS PARASITES"

It is made very clear, that, the "Parasites" are lo, and behold - the Jews.

It's good to show Jewish pride, but we should all remember that we do not exist for ourselves alone, but for the good of the world. World Jewry, even with all its contributions, has not done nearly what it has been capable of doing to further justice and prosperity in the world. Many of our efforts along the years have been more symbolic than actual. We should be empowering the poor through business development rather than all kinds of dole. We should be looking after the dysfunctional and the disabled rather than always looking to put minorities into political office. There are many more things we should do. Some of the resentment others feel for us is deserved, I'm sad to say.

I live in a small southern town where a closeminded group of Baptists/Protestants/Catolics makes up 99.7% of the population. My parents constantly warn me about displaying my religion and/or anything against the conformity. The author of this article shares my feelings on Jewish enthusiasm inside our homes and synagogues as well as out.

I also felt proud the first day I wore my scarf.

The world has lost touch with the understanding that the word Semite, the root word of 'anti-semitism', comes from the word 'shem' and refers to The Blessed Name; Semites are the People of The Name. All who practice anti-semitism are really practicing anti-SHEMitism; they are against The Very Name -- a very dangerous place to be.
Shalom

I strongly resonate with the author's experience and analysis. He put clearly into words what I have been feeling for a very long. I found his thoughts profoundly on target and very helpful.
Thank you.

Thank you Rabbi for your inspiring article. I used to wear a kippah all the time however I had stopped wearing it because I was afraid of attracting too much attention and for fear of attack. I had been thinking about starting to wear a kippah all the time again however I still had reservations. Well,... your article inspired me to make the decision and start wearing a kippah all the time instead of during study and pray only. I'm still nervous about my decision,... but I know its the right one.

THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL ARTICLE.EACH AND EVERY SINGLE JEW NEED TO BE AWAKE, AWARE WHY THE ANTI SEMITISM IS HERE. AS YOU WROTE SO WELL IT IS HERE TO REMIND US HTAT WE NEED TO STRENGTHEN OURSELVES AND BECOME CLOSER TO HASHEM.
THANK YOU AGAIN!

was yesterday!! (Coincidentally during the Sefirah Omer I decided to return to being an observant Jew.) When I wear my white and blue kippah in public I feel like a stronger person. I may not be able to see it on my head but I can feel it there, like I can feel Hashem all around me, and I know that everyone around me will see it on my head and know as well that Hashem is close to me.

All of us Judios (Jews) from what ever country we have been disperst to, should read this article and take it to heart....very inspiring...and perfectly timed...especially in these days and time...

I have been wearing a Kippa for about a year. After 9/11 I went out and bought a new Kippa its is Knit and multi coloured. Most of the ones I had worn to that point were black and since my hair is almost black may not always be noticed. (Though I still wear them too) I love my knit kippa as it is more visable.
Worn with pride and love
Zach
Brandeis University and Lowell Ma

I'm not religious,but I'm very proud to be Jewish. To be a proud Jew you dont have to be religious you only have to be proud of your people, in Israel and believe in God.

WHY IS OUR RESPONSE ALWAYS FEAR! I CAN'T STAND IT. WHY DON'T WE HAVE ALL THE ATTRIBUTES THAT HAVE BEEN MENTIONED WITH ONE MORE: PHYSICAL STRENGTH AND PROWESS. BEING ABLE TO STAND UP AND FIGHT. I'M SO TIRED OF JEWS RUNNING SCARED. ARABS AND BLACKS DON'T RUN SCARED.

B''H
I´m the only jew using Kippa in my city (Rancagua, CHILE).
It is hard sometimes, but it help me to remember the law.

Good morning.
I think so your article is very intresting and neccesary in this moments.
But, I need this article in spanish, because many people in my country have a bad idea from us.
Thanks and good bye.
Luis Carlos

I used to be very cautious about wearing kippots in the presence of non Jews,until I went to Israel and started wearing one all the time,I still wear one and it makes me very proud especially when I read your story.

When i read this article this morning I felt that Rabbi Levine is a very brave and courageous person with a great ability to restrain himself. Little did i know that later this evening sitting in the university campus(Leeds UK) I would have the anti-semitic talk - "Who let the dogs out? Bush, Bush" with the known melody and "Down, down Israel" and a few other very anti-semetic words. I just smiled back, though I have to admit i was boiling inside, and now that`s finally night I`m going to count the omer and say a few extra tehillim for the Yehudim all over the world and Israel.It isn't easy to refrain yourself and not to say anything offening yourself, your people and your country but at the end it is prefered to stay quite so to cause less Hillul HaShem and not give anyone the satisfaction that what they say goes through you. It is definatelly not easy to refrain yourself.

This piece is a wonderful article and I enjoyed the deeper message it sends. To be set apart requires much responsibility but also much joy. I am praying for the peace of jerusalem.

I am nervous, when my husband goes to work in downtown Toronto. Especially after he told me about an anti-semetic run in he had. I ask him to wear a hat when he travels to work on the subway , but he refuses. I think now I understand why. Thank you Rabbi Levine.

As a Jew living in rural Kentucky I decided after all that is happening in the world,that a Jewish presence is needed no matter where we live. We must stand as a people for Torah and Judaism.
I wear my kippa at work and at play. At first I felt out of place with it on. Now I never leave home without it.
May we merit only good news.

it is interesting that just today at Hebrew class we were discussing this very thing and the reasons for wearing not only the yarmulka but also the fringes on the outside. we decided that it was inportant and helped us to walk with the understanding that we were to be an example , and strengthen our commentment to oneanother.

Shalom,
Be brave and proud. I am in the process of conversion/returning to Judaism and me as many other feel the blessing of wearing the kipa as a "sign" that there are still Jews in the world that care to show HaShem love for humanity. It is true it has to be carried with love and kindness for others.
Baruj HaShem!

this piece was truly inspiring. as a girl, i will feel more like a bas yisrael - a Jewish girl - while wearing clothes that are tznius, modest, -and not just wearing it out of rote. if i will feel "different" i will remind myself that i am different.

excellent

dear Chaim Levine,
I have read your experience about wearing your yarmulka.
I am a teacher in biology in the Netherlands. Some years ago I tought at the yewish school Maimonides in Amsterdam for about half a year.I believe in the truth of the bible, both the old and the new testament. I am very much aware of the fact that we as gentiles owe everything to the Jews. Our whole society is based on the laws of Moses. Before I started my teaching job at Maimonides I read again different books about the holocaust, to be in touch with the feeling of my colleges and the pupils(the school is actually what remained of the school Ann Frank was at)
At several occasions I also was wearing
my yarmulka.(in Holland we say:kippa) This
was at Yom Kippur, when the rabbi came to share. And also during the funeralceremony of one the pupils of the school, who died at the age of 16.
I felt honoured to be allowed to to put up my yarmulka. In my heart I felt very close to the jewish people.
We as believers from the gentiles in the Netherlands pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. May the Almighty give you His grace and protection.

greetings from Dick de Vries.

Good article. I stand with you in your struggle against anti-semitism. I pray for the peace and safety of Jerusalem, and indeed, all Israel.

I feel for all those people living in ignorance,those surrounded by darkness.
Those who profess to hate Jews, really hate themselves and their shallow lives.

I hope one day every one in this world will realize that Jewish people has been, are a blessing to this world and will continue to be for ever. Thank you for inspiring me and giving me determination with your positive and admirable attitude.

I will be proud to wear my yarmulka outside the synagogue, with you.
Thanks for your article.

I had the same feelings when I started wearing kippah. Nowadays, not only it doesn't embarass me, quite the opposite, i feel that wearing it shows where i come from and who i really am.

Amazing. The pride felt by simply putting on a Kippa is amazing. I'm a 21 year old college student in Mississippi. When I decided to wear my kippah every day, your right, it was uncomfortable at first. But its such a blessing. Everything you said is so true. For me, if anything else, its a reminder that I'm a Jew before I'm anything else.

Rabbi Levine -- what a great article!

I have to admit that at times while living in America wearing a yarmulka may not come so easy. But for some reason while among other Jews, as in Israel -- it comes easy. We all have to get our proiorities straight! Anti-semitism is everywhere, so let's just be ourselves....everywhere!

But another important concern addressed in the article was going to the Holy Land in times of need. When we hear of great tragedies in the area we must not hide our heads in the sand. Let us all get up and get a ticket (maybe even for one-way)! Going to Israel only when things are calm is an unfortunate thing many of us Jews do. Hence, specifically when times are tough....we must go!

I don't wear a yarmulke, but I do wear a Mogen David. That started after a "friend" of mine, who didn't know I was Jewish, made some stupid remark about how ALL Jews were greedy. I was stunned for a moment, then sweetly told her that I was "one of those" before I hung up on her forever. Then I realized that I needed to show the world that I was Jewish and glad I was Jewish. Thus my Star, worn next to my heart, that I will not remove except for surgery, and reluctantly at that.