Rabbi Howard Morrison

If you want to begin to understand the origins of Antisemitism, one need look no further than the opening verses in the book of Shmot-Exodus. The first book of the Torah, Bereishit-Genesis, concluded with the family of Israel. In the opening verses of today's parsha, Bnai Yisrael, literally, the children of a man named Israel, becomes the peoplehood of Israel. Thus begins our history as a nation. Almost as soon as we are identified as a nation, Pharaoh emerges as the first and original hater of the Jewish people. Was he the same Pharaoh from Joseph's time or a new king? Commentaries vary. Either way, as a nation of Israel is born, the Pharaoh of the time chose not to know or remember what Joseph had done for Egypt. Instead, lies and fabrications emerge. The Israelites are considered too numerous for Egypt. Really? The Israelites may join the enemy armies of Egypt. Really?

From the very first instance of Antisemitism against the Jews as a people, the pattern has always been the same. Jews enter a particular country, become actively involved in the betterment of society, make exceptional contributions, and subsequently get falsely blamed and accused via lies and propaganda. Joseph had become second in command. He interpreted dreams and became a visionary. Because of Joseph, who was always regarded as a Hebrew by Egyptian society, Egypt's economy flourished. Egypt was THE respected nation in the area. 

How often have Jews become involved in their Diaspora countries and made tremendous contributions - Germany, Spain, France and many others throughout the ages? The early contributions by Jews in the U.S. and Canada? Then, before you know it, Jews are blamed for being over successful, and Jews are seen as being inferior - all as a result of lies and falsehoods. Consider New York city. So much of its success has been due to the contributions of New York city Jews. When I studied in New York city in the 1980's, the mayor was Ed Koch, who insisted on being buried in New York city before he died. To this day, New York city has more Jews than any other city in the U.S. Now- Just over a week ago, on his first day in office, a new Antisemitic mayor, in my opinion, ripped away the international Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of Antisemtism, and he eliminated safeguards to protect Jews regarding boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel. What is next?????

Over the years, the shape of Antisemitism has evolved - from Judaism being disregarded because of race or religion. In our time, the disregard of Judaism is based on connection to the ancestral homeland of the Jews, Israel. But make no mistake about it - AntiZionism is a catchy phrase for Antisemitism. Otherwise, why are Diaspora Jews in danger? Why are synagogues and other Jewish institutions at risk? Is Jewish practice around the world really linked to political policies coming out of Jerusalem for the citizens of Israel? Of course not. Excuses are created for blatant Jew-hatred. If Israel is now at a ceasefire with Gaza, why are Hamas supportive hate rallies taking place around the globe? We know the answer - AntiZionism is a synonym for Antisemitism.

Until this year, I was never concerned about wearing my Kippa in downtown Toronto or at a Toronto sporting event. A number of weeks ago, a Kippa wearing Jew was accosted at a Maple Leafs game. While the attacker was removed, how does that happen at a hockey game? The following week, when I attended a Raptors game, I chose to wear my cap for most of the game until I felt completely safe to show my Kippa. Why should I have to be concerned? and I am!!!

In our Parsha today, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam emerge as heroes. They will save the day.

In this month of January, we remember the legacies and the alliance of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Dr. Martin Luther King. They were American political and spiritual heroes in the 1960's, who together advanced the civil rights movement. Heschel himself almost singlehandedly persuaded the Catholic Church to reverse its age old hatreds and stereotypes of Jews and Judaism.

Who will be today's Dr. King? Rabbi Heschel?

Who will be today's Moses, Aaron, and Miriam?

While the answers are not visible right now, it would do us well to better understand and reflect on today's Parsha - the  very first recorded instance of Antisemitism in Jewish history.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison