This weekend we honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and remembered the power of his voice against racism and for civil rights.  

Martin Luther King Jr. was a voice from the mountaintop that changed the world. He understood that words have immeasurable power and could transport us into a future that has greater possibilities. His legacy challenges us to use our own voices to stand up for what is right - even when it isn't easy.  

Using our voice to stand up for what is right can be overwhelming.  Such as the case in this week's Torah portion, where we read of Moses' response to God after being directed to go to Pharaoh to demand freedom for the Israelites. Moses questions his ability to accomplish the task in light of his own communication challenges: “The Israelites would not listen to me; how then should Pharaoh heed me, a man of impeded speech!”  

In short, Moses is suggesting that he isn't the right person for the mission. Surely there is someone else that would be a better suited candidate.  

Like Moses, we often make excuses when confronted with big tasks. It’s too hard! I can’t speak well! I'm not comfortable doing it. I don’t have enough time!  

But these obstacles are self imposed. 

The narratives of these leaders teach us that we need to not create excuses, but reasons to rise to the challenges that confront us. By doing so, we will make a difference and make our communities stronger and the world better.

Today, we are being confronted by surging antisemitism, an issue that is not only a communal problem; but also deeply personal.  According to the AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2022 report 38% of American Jews changed their behavior in at least one way out of fear of antisemitism. And that was before the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, when life changed. 

 

 

One way the UJCVP addresses rising antisemitism is through our Community Relations Council's engagement with our State Senators and Delegates. This includes our participation in Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day on Wednesday, February 7, when we will come together with the organized Jewish communities from around the Commonwealth. It is more important than ever to make our voice heard. 

This annual event brings hundreds from around the state to discuss issues of importance to the Jewish community and leverage our collective voice. This year, we will be addressing how to best counter antisemitism throughout the Commonwealth, maintaining security funding for our synagogues and agencies, and more. I hope you will join us.   

There is immeasurable power in a voice -  beginning with your voice.  

Shabbat Shalom, 
Eric Maurer
Executive Director
emaurer@ujcvp.org