Confessions of a Female Rabbi by Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski

Author:Rabbi Rebecca Keren Jablonski [Jablonski, Rabbi Rebecca Keren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Confessions of a Female Rabbit
Publisher: Viva Editions
Published: 2024-08-14T22:00:00+00:00

We can think of “ascent” as an opportunity for spiritual growth and service and of “descent” as re-entering the external world trying to change it for good. In the words of the great Hasidic Master, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgensztern of Kotzk, interpreting a verse of Psalms, “The heavens are the heavens of G-d, and the earth is given to human beings—that is, to make of the earth a heaven.”

There are angels here on earth who try to make the world more like heaven, or a more perfect place. They are the heroes who constantly do work to help those in need. They are doctors, soldiers, teachers, and even parents—sometimes. But sometimes it is hard to trust in those providers and systems. Jacob didn’t just let the vision of the angels suffice and quell his anxiety. Like a typical, anxious, Jewish guy, he needed extra reassurance from G-d that he was going to be okay. Now that I’m such an expert in Hebrew, I noticed that the same Hebrew word with the root letters of shin, mem, and reysh, spelling out shamar, or protect, comes up again and again in the text. Jacob is obsessed with feeling protected on his journey. He wants to make sure that those angels around him will protect him, as he is really scared.

I think I have a unique reading of this passage because I see echoes of myself in Jacob. Okay, okay, my brothers Jack, Maier, and Dipper have never threatened to kill me, but I am growing increasingly concerned about the safety of our people—the Jewish people. Jacob is nervous that his life and future are in danger and it is sometimes our reality here in New York that we are. Antisemitism is always on my mind. Year after year, the Anti-Defamation League and FBI have reported increases of crimes directed at Jews. This really hit me this fall, both as I was preparing for this day and since TikTok became obsessed with discussing Kanye West’s various meltdowns and rants towards the Jews. My peers and I used to think Kanye West was one of the greatest artists of all time and the most talented fashion designer. But now, because of his far-reaching antisemitic statements, I feel a difference in the country’s attitude against Jewish people—I notice hateful graffiti, I hear more disturbing jokes from other comedians, and my parents have talked about whether or not I can wear a Jewish Star necklace—especially because I take the subway. I feel outnumbered when I go past a hateful crowd of people saying hurtful things outside the Barclay’s Center. Kyrie Irving tweeted about an obscure movie and the whole NBA was angry at the Jews. I no longer feel comfortable wearing my favorite shoes, Yeezys, and I have banned Ye’s music at my party tonight. While studying for my bar mitzvah, there were FBI warnings about increased threats on Jewish institutions and I’ve been both worried and interested in what I can do to help my people.

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