Confronting Amelek

Shavuah Tov!  Wishing you a very good week.

I've been watching and listening to the dangerous antics of Kanye West and Kyrie Irving over the last few weeks.  I must say: I am baffled.  Where does this hate come from?  What possible reason do they have for such vitriol statements and actions?  It is disheartening and my instinct is to ignore them.  But, as much as I wish we could just say "I don't see you, I don't see you" and they would go away, I don't think it is true.

In the Torah, there is an enemy named Amalek who reappears in different generations in different guises.  Amalek is the permanent, generations-old enemy of the Jews.   I've always found this notion distasteful, feeling it perpetuates an "us" versus "them" mentality. I'm naturally more hopeful. I'd like to think that there will be a generation without an Amalek.  Unfortunately, history seems to have presented a different reality - one more closely alighted to the Torah's notion of a reappearing enemy. 

I have come to believe that baseless hatred and bigotry will resurface time and time again, especially if don't fight against it.  Amalek perhaps isn't the enemy of the Jewish people - but the enemy of all people who cherish acceptance, graciousness and love of the diverse human experience. We fight Amalek by supporting those around us when they face prejudice.  And then calling them to support us.  I don't plan to focus my thoughts too hard on Kanye West or Kyrie Irving or any of the other Amaleks in our midst.  We all have much more important joyful and important things to do. 

At the same time, I have three words to share with Kanye, Kyrie and the other Amaleks of the world: YOU ARE WRONG! And I will continue repeat these words- we all should - as long as I have a voice to do so.

May your new week be filled with happiness and satisfaction.