This week’s Torah reading talks about the building of the original Menorah by the Israelites. Here is part of the instructions:
Now this is how the Menorah was made: hammered-work of gold, up to its stem, up to its petals, it was hammered-work. [Numbers 8:4]
Our commentators talk about this as made from a single piece of gold, with no joints or seams, as altogether having a unified goal.
In order to be the light unto the nations that we must be, in order to shine with a unified light of justice, we must hammer out our differences and stand together.
This will require us to set aside disputes that distract from collaboration and cooperation. More than ever we must stand together as Jews, stand together as Western New Yorkers, and stand together as Americans and humans, for compassion, for justice, and for peace.
Thank you, all of you, as we embrace this journey. The path before us will not be easy. Judaism asks us to forge ahead for the betterment of everyone, to hammer out that gold Menorah as a beacon of redemption for all.
Wishing continued safety and health to all,