Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Samuel Kaye

Last week the newly formed advocacy committee at Holy Blossom Temple reached out to our congregation. We asked you to make your voices heard regarding Opposition Resolution 658. As you are likely aware, Parliament passed this non-binding resolution on Monday evening. Some community partners see the passing of the resolution as an insult to the Canadian-Jewish community, a reminder that in the nationwide game of politics, we are vastly outnumbered. Other voices see the last-minute removal of the most extreme element of the resolution, the immediate and unconditional recognition of a Palestinian state, as a victory.  

The answer likely lies in the middle. As Judaism teaches us again and again, these and these can both be true. 

In moments like this, when our community comes together but the reach of our influence is unclear, it is more important than ever to remain steadfast.  It is also vital to recognize and appreciate those who heed the call.  

Then let me say, thank you! Thank you to our members who answered the charge and made their desires clear to our elected officials. Thank you for reaching out to members of parliament digitally, over the phone, and through the CIJA portal. Together with Jewish communities across the country, we generated more than 900,000 contact points with members of parliament. It made a difference, and you made a difference.  

This weekend is our holiday of Purim. The Megillah has many messages, but one of the timeliest is that the decrees of government are not always just. Esther must reveal herself, take a stand, and fight for her people in the halls of power. Even when she is successful, her work is not over. In the final chapters of the Megillah, even after Haman is defeated, Esther must organize and continue to lead the Jewish people out of danger.  

As it was in her day, so it is in ours. No matter how we view the outcome of Mondays vote, the work of Jewish Advocacy is not over.  

In addition to our Purim celebrations, I want to highlight an important program, and a vital next step in our Advocacy work, that is happening next week. Dahlia Lithwick, Tiffany Moller, Guila Benchimol, Megan Stephens and Rabbi Yael Splansky will be leading a roundtable conversation at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, March 27th. This powerful evening will address the ongoing fight for justice and recognition regarding the sexual violence that Israelis experienced on October 7th. You can register here.  

This week we need Purim, and its eternal message of hope, joy, resilience, and advocacy more than ever.  

ליהודים היתה אורה ושמחה וששן ויקר (Esther 8:16) 
 The Jews enjoyed light and gladness, happiness, and honour.  

So may it be for us as well, swiftly and in our day.  

Chag Purim Sameach.