Yaira:
The
pursuit of justice is one of Judaism’s central themes. From the prophets who
cry out, demanding that we care for those who are on the margins of society; to
the many mitzvot (commandments),
obligating us to share with those in need, welcome the stranger, and regularly
forgive debts; to the well-known instruction, “Justice, Justice, you shall
pursue!” (Deut. 16:20), Jewish tradition insists that we construct societies
that are fair and just for all people. It recognizes, too, that although not
everyone is a decision-maker, each person is obligated to do what she can.
According to one rabbinic saying, “If [a person] sits in his home and says to
himself, ‘What have the affairs of society to do with me? Let my soul dwell in
peace!’—If he does this, he overthrows the world.” (Midrash Tanhuma, Mishpatim 2)
For
too many years, I sat at home and left justice work to others. Now I am
actively involved, but I still sometimes feel afraid and under-qualified. Here,
I draw inspiration from the story of Moses, the quintessential “reluctant
prophet.” When God called Moses to lead, Moses was afraid and doubted himself.
But God promised to be with him and guide him. Moreover, God sent someone—Moses’
brother, Aaron—to help him. In my own life, every time I have left my comfort
zone, I have found unexpected friends and helpers along the way. My tradition
demands that I do what I can to bend the world toward justice—but it doesn’t
want or expect me to do it alone.
This is the third post about Faithful Advocacy from Guest Writers LeeAnne, Amanda & Yaira. Here are links to Part 1 and Part 2. Please join their conversation by leaving your comment below.
This is the third post about Faithful Advocacy from Guest Writers LeeAnne, Amanda & Yaira. Here are links to Part 1 and Part 2. Please join their conversation by leaving your comment below.
