Confronting Hate
In the tapestry of human history, why does hate persist as the response to many global challenges? This question echoes through time, and is imbued in the struggles of our Jewish community—from the biblical Exodus to the haunting shadows of the Holocaust.
As we reflect on the past, parallels emerge, revealing the destructive force of false leadership. The 1940s Germany witnessed unspeakable evil, illustrating how hate, rooted in division, can lead to the darkest chapters of our collective narrative.
Fast-forward to the present, and our community once again bears witness to the destructive impact of hate on October 7th, 2023, shattering both the human body and soul, all fueled by a divisive "us versus them" narrative.
Yet, hate is not just a historical relic; it's a contemporary challenge that masquerades as strength and power. False leadership and hate offer a deceptive sense of validation, temporarily alleviating inadequacies by directing anger towards convenient scapegoats. In a world that sometimes glorifies toughness and aggression, fostering kindness and hope becomes paramount, as they embody the true strength of power.
Photo by Merle E. Singer
The roots of hate find strength to grow in social dynamics that prioritize conformity over critical thinking. Universities and colleges have become witnesses to this troubling trend, where individuals succumb to pressure or misguided norms despite their true beliefs or doubts.
But why does hate persist? Perhaps because it offers immediate gratification, a visceral thrill that temporarily alleviates emotional distress. Kindness, on the other hand, demands patience and long-term investment. While hate may seem easier in the short term, its allure is deceptive. True strength lies not in sowing division but in the courage to embrace empathy, understanding, and kindness as guiding principles in navigating the complexities of today’s world.
History is about making choices. The following short video is one that I produced as part of discussion course I led on confronting hatred and particularly, how blind hatred led to millions of Jews being murdered in the holocaust. It stands as a glaring example of how the love of power can so quickly lead to destruction.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgenstern, known as The Kotzker Rabbi, wisely observed, “Intolerance lies at the core of evil.” It is a darkness that stems not from threats or dangers, but from an intolerance of another human being who simply dares to exist. To counter this, we must strive to cultivate compassion without cause, caring for each other simply because each 'other' exists.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Merle E. Singer