ISSUES OF FAITH: Reach out to combat the spread of hate

A BASIC PRINCIPLE in Judaism and Kabbalistic tradition is the profound regard for all life and that every soul is a fragment of the divine light, though it may be hidden.

The Jewish Bible gives us clear guidelines about how we should treat our fellow human beings. It says no less than 36 times that we should welcome and take care of the stranger:

“The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as one of your citizens; you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 19:34).

We are told to love our neighbor as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18).

The Talmud teaches “that which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary.”

In previous columns, I have focused on the difficulty of taking responsibility for our actions and the power of words. I related the story of a rabbi likening our words to feathers blowing in the wind, impossible to take back once they are spoken.

Jewish tradition teaches that lashon hara, the evil tongue, is akin to murder because it harms not only to the person to whom it is directed but to those who hear it and speak it.

Sadly, my fears have come true, with hateful words and rhetoric resulting in heinous actions.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, a watchdog of racism and hate crimes, reports it has catalogued over 700 incidents of hate, harassment and intimidation since the election.

An “explosion” in hate crimes since Election Day has prompted the creation of a special police unit to fight this uptick in New York. Neo-Nazi groups are emboldened and the KKK plans a celebratory parade in North Carolina.

The FBI recently reported that hate crimes have jumped 6 percent in 2015.

These incidents have spared no group: the LBGTQ community, women, immigrants, African-Americans, Hispanics, the disabled, Jews, Muslims, the elderly and children.

They have occurred at people’s homes, in their cars, on the streets, in businesses, in schools and at places of worship.

There have been both verbal and physical assaults, notes left on doorsteps, vandalism and graffiti painted on cars, homes, businesses, houses of worship and playgrounds.

It is easy to become despondent at the increase in these hateful acts. All of us of good will know that this does not reflect the beliefs and feelings of most people, no matter their politics, religion, race or gender.

So how do we respond? In practical terms, we must connect with those who are not in our “bubble” of friends, volunteer or give financial support to groups that are working to bring justice to our world, and get involved in interfaith events.

Reach out to those who are afraid, letting them know you will stand with them in their fear.

And when you see or hear someone spreading hate and fear, step up and speak up. Remember the words of Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Along with taking action, in spiritual terms, we must remember that the Kabbalists teach us that all people, even those we consider evil, have the holy spark of God within them. Our every action and even our thoughts have the power to make changes in the world.

Rabbi David Cooper says, “Our opportunities to raise sparks are boundless” (God is a Verb).

So, along with taking concrete action, we must remember that even those who hate have that Divine Spark and our task, through our actions, is to release and raise it up to become part of the flame of a holy universe.

Kein yehi Ratzon … may it be God’s will. Shalom.

_________

Issues of Faith is a rotating column by five religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Suzanne DeBey is a lay leader of the Port Angeles Jewish community.

More in Life

Photos by Katie Newton-Salmon
2024 Sequim and Port Angeles Equestrian teams got off to a great start during its first WAHSET competition, bringing home where they brought home nine first place wins. Top row from left: Katelynn Sharpe, Kennedy Gilbertson, Savanah Boulton, Celbie Karjalainen, Asha Swanberg
Bottom row left: Coach Misty Gilbertson, PA member Olivia West, Kenzie Winters, Lilly Meyer, Joanna Seelye, Taylor Lewis, Kiaja Johnson, Paisley Morris, PA member Zakara Braun, and coach Ady Crosby. Not pictured non-competing member Paige Reed and advisor Katie Newton.
HORSEPLAY: First high school equestrian event of the year for Sequim

SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL’S equestrian team had a “great first meet,” said coach… Continue reading

Emily Matthiessen/Olympic Peninsula News Group
Sequim Ballroom intern Brie Rocha follows instructor Werner Figar’s lead as he keeps an eye on his intermediate/advanced swing class.
Dancers work on moves during classes at Sequim schoolhouse

Beginners, intermediate students learn variety of ballroom styles

ISSUES OF FAITH: The courage of religious leaders

“JUSTICE, JUSTICE SHALL you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). The Jewish Bible, the Tanach,… Continue reading

Rev. Asha Burson-Johnson
Unity in the Olympics service slated

The Rev. Asha Burson-Johnson will be the speaker at… Continue reading

Jamal Rahman
Rahman scheduled for OUUF program

The Imam Jamal Rahman will present “Spiritual Insights and… Continue reading

The USS Argonaught stationed at Pearl Harbor and Brisbane, Australia during WWII.
BACK WHEN: The human cost of war hit the Peninsula in WWII

SEVENTY-NINE YEARS ago the end was in sight for World War 2.… Continue reading

A GROWING CONCERN: Make the most of the last weeks of winter

TODAY IS THE eve of Groundhog Day. Regardless if the furry rodent… Continue reading

Unitarian speaker slated in Port Angeles

The Rev. Terry Barrett will present “The Gift of… Continue reading

Tools for caregivers class set for Sequim

The public is invited to enroll in the Powerful Tools… Continue reading

Prayer gathering for peace slated

Bahá’is of Sequim and Port Angeles will host “Prayers… Continue reading

ISSUES OF FAITH: Finding our way home

THIS COMING SUNDAY is the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany and this… Continue reading