The Talmud offers the following analogy to explain the better of two choices in dealing with that which is abhorrent. The world needs tanners (people that work hide into leather) and perfume makers. Fortunate is the one who is a perfume maker.
When dealing with darkness or things that are foul and evil, we can either try to tackle the darkness and beat the foul hides into something useful, or we can spread light and perfume our environment. We are purveyors of light. We don’t beat the darkness with a stick; we light a candle.
Our NOLA Jewish community is currently confronting a situation where an individual who has been responsible for fomenting antisemitic sentiment is coming to perform in the Superdome on Friday, August 28. Though he claims remorse for his past statements and actions, the movement he spawned is one that is malodorous, and even dangerous.
I am proud that our Jewish community is taking the approach of purveying light. Rather than protest and fight the darkness, we are spreading the light. I credit the Jewish Federation and ADL for meeting with the organizers of the event to explain the issues, choosing to educate and see what good can come from this connection. Furthermore, the decision has been made to present the “joy of Judaism” rather than the darkness of antisemitism.
In the effort to purvey light and be perfume makers, the Jewish community will be highlighting three light-filled opportunities that weekend.
The first is to encourage folks to attend Shabbat services that Friday night. Several congregations, including Chabad of Louisiana, will be offering Shabbat dinner following services that week. (See www.chabadneworleans.com/tgis for more details.)
The second is that entry to the MSJE (Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience) will be free that entire weekend. This gives people an opportunity to explore their own community’s story if they are Jewish, or to learn more about the Jewish experience for those who are not.
The third is to come and hear Holocaust Survivor Tova Friedman, known as the “Daughter of Auschwitz,” tell her story on Sunday evening, August 30 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Tova has been a purveyor of light, telling her story of faith and courage and inspiring audiences around the world. For registration and more info, www.jewishlouisiana.com/tova.
Be a purveyor of light! Participate in one or more of these opportunities so that the pleasant fragrance of decency and goodness will permeate our city.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin