We Jews have had a long and painful history with Jew-hatred. Yet we’ve survived against all odds. How have we dealt with it? What has been our strategy?
The Midrash tells us that in ancient times, when Rabbis needed to approach their [usually hostile] rulers on behalf of Jewish interests, they would prepare by meditating on a specific section of Scripture. Many centuries later, Nachmanides, who endured harsh religious oppression in 13th century Spain and ultimately had to flee to Israel, writes that this was still a practice. (Actually, in some communities, it’s still a tradition to read that Scriptural section every Saturday night, at the close of the Shabbos, as we begin to face the world in the coming week.
Propitiously, this very section of Scripture will be read in synagogues around the world tomorrows:
The Torah describes how our Patriarch, Jacob, prepared to meet his twin brother, Eisav. For two decades, Jacob has been on the run from Eisav, who had sworn to kill him. Now, Jacob is returning to Israel, their ancestral land, with a large family and a thriving business.
Jacob hopes that Eisav’s anger has dissipated, but he hears that Eisav has mobilized an army to confront him. So, Jacob prepares a three-pronged response: 1. Diplomacy: Jacob sends gifts to Eisav. 2. Strength: Jacob prepares for war. 3. Prayer.
The meeting went well. Torah describes how Eisav actually embraced Jacob in a loving, brotherly way. While we know that Eisav hated Jacob until his death, and that he passed this animus to his descendants, he - in this instance - backed off his war plans.
Mission accomplished.
This has been our historic, strategic template: Try to keep things peaceful, but make it clear that we’re not cowed; we’re prepared for confrontation if necessary.
And pray to G-d for success.
For many years, millions of people in the Middle East have been raising their toddlers to hate Jews, and some of that venom is infecting us right here at home. Whether it’s in Israel or here in the USA, our goal is always peaceful co-existence, but we can’t back down when we’re being attacked. We need to stand strong against cancerous hatred. It’s the only way to deal with a bully.
And, of course, we pray to G-d, the miraculous Master of Jewish Survival.