blogs/rabbi-huberman

One of my favorite Jewish teachings is contained in the Zohar, the most influential book within the Kabbalah—Judaism’s mystic tradition.

The Zohar shares that “a person should only tell their dreams to one who loves them.”

Over our lives, each of us has had dreams—both realized and unfulfilled.  Perhaps a change in career, deciding who to spend our lives with, a move to a new country, city or community.

As we look back—who was it who actually stood with us, and who stood in our way?

A small figurine sits at the edge of my desk. It is of Theodore Herzl who, in 1902, wrote in his book—Old, New Land words which have guided my life, and the lives of many others.

“If you will it, it is no dream.”

He is considered the founding father of the "Israel vision" and his words reminds us—that anything is possible if we dare to dream. Dreams give us hope—they inspire us—they provide us with a “north star” to live by.

Experts tell us that one of the biggest regrets many people have in their latter years is, “I didn’t follow up on my dreams.”

This is the week in our Torah reading, where Joseph’s dreams come true.

In last week’s parashah, we witnessed how Joseph, at 17, brashly shared his dreams. Referring to his own family of 11 brothers, he boldly predicts: “The sun, the moon, and 11 stars will bow down to me.” (Genesis 37:9)

Joseph soon learns this is not the way to make friends and influence people.

Joseph is now 30. Since the days of his arrogant youth, he has been thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused of sexual assault, and imprisoned.

But during that time, he has developed spiritual antibodies.

Rather than obsess about his own dreams, he is now able reach into the souls of others—with a degree of empathy and selflessness.

He is called upon to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and predicts that Egypt will soon experience seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine.

So, Joseph institutes a system of conservation, which sustains the Egyptians over the next 14 years. His dream of future leadership—originally told to his hateful brothers—is delayed, but ultimately realized.

The idea of achieving dreams carries over to the State of Israel.

If you’re looking for a book to read which nurtures pride in Israel, I highly recommend Thou Shalt Innovate. Its author, Avi Jorisch, notes that part of Israel’s success centers upon how Israeli startups have significantly focused on environmental and medical breakthroughs.

He sees this as fulfilling a Jewish commandment, to realize Tikun Olam—the healing of this broken world. Israel’s capacity to dream and to better the world, is a story rarely told within the wave of misconceptions and anti-Semitism currently misguiding public opinion.

Over the past few weeks, a small number of congregants and even some teens have approached me regarding the Israel-Hamas war, opening our conversation with the question, “How can our fellow Jews support genocide and war crimes in Gaza?”

They admitted reaching that conclusion through TikTok and Instagram posts. Generally, what follows is a long discussion about the Holocaust, the wars of 1948 and 1967, Hamas’ ultimate mission, the Dreyfus Affair, the Balfour Declaration and often back to Theodore Herzl.

In other words, “How did we get here?” And after these long and full conversations, opinions are significantly amended. I often ask myself, how did we lose control of the narrative?

Why would it be objectionable in the United States to advocate for the genocide of white, black or Hispanic Americans—but a matter of free speech when it comes to Jews?

Friends, we live in an age where we, as adults, are often reluctant to get involved in the online lives of our children and grandchildren. There is an inherent tragedy in that. The Internet—particularly social media—has been infested with misleading images and falsehoods, often reducing complex political, religious and historical issues into brief, but emotionally charged, postings.

Our children don’t always possess the capacity to distinguish between fact and propaganda. And we, as Jews, have yet to become adept at using these media, not as Hamas style propaganda, but as conduits of truth.

No one ever said the Jewish road to peace would be easy. But we cannot sit still while so many of our children are being lured by skillful manipulators. Indeed, the story of Israel and its current challenges are exceptionally complicated.

To adequately teach our children, we must educate and draw upon our many years of education, experience and perspective. It is less about advocating for one position or another, and more about future generations learning to fully assess a situation before jumping to simple conclusions.

I have a dream: Peace will eventually come to the Middle East. We were close prior to Oct. 7. As we transition from Chanukah to Shabbat, I am inspired by Israel’s original dream keeper, Theodore Herzl, who also wrote:

“The Maccabeans will rise again…We shall live at last as free men on our own soil, and die peacefully in our own homes. The world will be freed by our liberty…And whatever we attempt there to accomplish for our own welfare, will react powerfully and beneficially for the good of humanity.”

I believe that dream will come to pass. Israel is not perfect, and the history of Israel and the Middle East is complex. That is why we, outside of Israel, can be influencers—one conversation at time.

Telling our dreams to those who have traditionally hated us? That is not the answer. Rather, let us share that dream with those who love us: Our children, our grandchildren, friends and family, who form the circle of our lives.

Thousands of years ago, the Torah predicted that despite the Pharaohs, Hitlers and Hamases we will encounter, we will ultimately survive. But it will require involvement and action. As the poet, Paul Simon, once wrote, “I don't know a dream that's not been shattered or driven to its knees.” We are living that time.

But, as Herzl shared more than 125 years ago, “If we will it, it is no dream.” For we, as Jews, believe in turning dreams into reality. Our continued survival is proof of that. And we are still here in pursuit of ultimate justice for ourselves and for the world. It is who we are. It is who we will always be.

Shabbat Shalom, v'kol tuv. 

Rabbi Irwin Huberman.