blogs/rabbi-huberman

Sometimes I fear that, these days, too many feel cut off from Judaism, rather than being part of it.

“I am not kosher.” “I can’t read Hebrew.” “I don’t understand.” “I love, look or live differently.”

There’s a biblical word for this. It‘s called karet—“cut off.”

But, during this critical and terrifying time in Israel’s history, perhaps it is time to perhaps rethink that traditional definition.

There can be no exclusions. Our hearts are currently with our friends and relatives among all Israelis. As Israel endures attacks from Iran, we must stand with Eretz Yisrael, and there can be no one cut off or excluded. 

In ancient times, Jewish people were required to act a certain way.

There were specific times to celebrate Passover and other holy days. There was a “proper” (kosher) way to eat. There were things we weren’t supposed to touch.

And, if you transgressed—if you separated yourself from the majority—you would be declared karet -- cut off from the Jewish people and God. 

Too often within our own Judaism, it is easy to feel “karet.”

But do any of us currently feel outside of the majority as we observe, worry and pray while Israel’s very existence is at stake?

As we enter Shabbat is there any doubt that we stand united? 

In this week’s Torah reading, we are introduced to a concept called Pesach Sheni—the second Passover.

The Torah poses a question -- expanded upon by the Talmud -- “What happens if you were on a journey, or fighting a war, or were ill, and couldn’t celebrate Passover at its appointed time?

"Should you be -- according to the law—‘cut off’?”

In a brilliant acknowledgement of the need to reboot our perceptions and attitudes, the Torah instituted the Second Passover—Pesach Sheni.

It is an acknowledgement that whether through bad timing or changing circumstances, either physically or spiritually, each of us deserves a second chance.

Rather than face karet, the Torah initiated this observance of a Second Pesach as an opportunity to recommit. 

Today, as Iranian missiles fly into Tel Aviv and elsewhere across country, the question remains, “Where does each of us stand?" 

And are you in or out?

Last evening, as I watched on live Israeli TV the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, I felt both pride and apprehension.

In recent years, as the world naively suggested various toothless deterrents, Iran continued its efforts with only one purpose in mind: To rid the earth of Israel and the Jewish people.

Let us not forget that current events surrounding Gaza began unprovoked on October 7, when Hamas, one of Iran’s proxies, committed unspeakable acts of genocide and abuse against Israelis, for no reason other than because they were Jewish.

That is the definition of genocide.

We may disagree about the tactics or strategies Israel has used in the aftermath of October 7, but we have now entered a time of Pesach Sheni because events currently transpiring in Israel are of biblical proportions.

We must reboot and recommit.

Regardless of our political leanings, is there any one of us who does not support Israel’s right to exist free of Iran’s constant threat of extermination?

Don’t we all long to be free of the fear of another Holocaust?

Then join the majority.

Several years ago, as I stood with a small group of Israeli troops overlooking the Lebanon border, one soldier reflected:

“We know that if Hezbollah gets through us, next they will attack Haifa, then Tel Aviv and then Jews everywhere.”

At this moment, as I quickly rewrite my weekly e-sermon before Shabbat, I believe we stand at that crossroads.

Indeed, if you believe that Iran’s radical view of Islam represents a real and constant threat to not only Israel, but to basic human rights everywhere, then you are truly in the majority.

Conversely, I would argue that any individual or nation who desires the annihilation of any race—particularly Jews—deserves to be militarily, economically and spiritually cut off from God’s creation.

That for me is the updated view of karet.

As for Israel and its future, let us unite in faith and in action. For as long as murderous radicals continue to threaten Israel and develop nuclear weaponry, no Jew is safe.

No matter how and when you celebrate holidays, what you consider physically or ethically kosher, how you respect others or worship God, today we stand together.

As Shabbat approaches, a rock sits within the common soul of the entire Jewish people.

Because of this -- at this critical period in the history—no Jew can feel, or act karet. 

We must donate to Israel aid organizations, support its citizens, and speak to our friends and neighbors. 

As we witness Israel fighting for its survival -- under the wings of the angels—we are each part of a majority. No exclusions.

For, especially at this moment in history, there can be no karet among the Jewish people.

Our very existence depends on it.

Shabbat shalom, v’kol tuv.

Rabbi Irwin Huberman.