A Jew By Any Other Name Would Smell As Sweet

 

by Abi Taylor-Abt

 

We live in a ongoing historical cycle of anti-semitism. While it is undeniable that outsiders consistently paint us with the same brush, we remain our own worst enemies. We are all too quick to divide ourselves up into divergent groups based on our levels of observance, Jewish knowledge or even location. Jews however, are Jews.

 

- Mishnah Avot

 

Orthodox, Reform, Lubavitch, Conservative, we are all one community, with basic rules within Judaism that we all follow. We are taught to respect our elders and be kind to others. We should personify honestly and live a meaningful life. When the two furthest points of our religious scales both embody traits that are based on pure selfless humanity, it is hard to understand the reasons that we ourselves are not more united.

 

I have travelled and experienced a range of religious observance, having had these opportunities along with the blessing of an excellent Jewish education. With that in mind, I find it hard to find a logical reason for judging ourselves and each other, by level of observance, instead of whether or not we practice the underlying values of our faith.

 

We all learn that there is one G-d, a higher power, giving us purpose in the world. However, it is up to us, with the blessing of free will, to decide how we choose to embody the belief that we are “b’zelem elokim” - created in G-d’s image.

 

On April 14 2016, the head of a student group at Harvard Law School asked Israeli lawmaker Tzipi Livni, “How is it that you are so smelly?” After controversy in the press, the student apologized but as this is an insult that has been bandied about since the 1800’s, it is not a new taunt. She wasn’t criticizing the personal hygiene habits of the most powerful female politician Israel has had since Golda Meir. The slur was general - all Jews. We all smell.

 

As a long-time educator I have worked with many professional teachers who believe in collective punishment. The concept that all are to blame for the actions of a few. Just like in cases of racism and bigotry, all people of a defined group are the same and deserve the same judgement.

 

We are all individuals and should be judged by our own merits, however there is no question that how we choose to act, respond or ignore matters has a far reaching effect. Overlooking scornful and derogatory comments lobbied at one of us, makes us all culpable. In this particular case it was anti-semitism with a familiar face, an insult we recognize and have heard before.

 

This particular mockery gained widespread press coverage but it is just one example of our people being assaulted with derogatory and inflammatory comments. Every incident however small, left to gain momentum, is fuel for hatred and annihilation of our Jewish values. We have to stand together as one nation to eradicate the adversity that we encounter as a people.

 

Yet we define ourselves by differentiation amongst our own people, according to our level of observance or education, and our choices in how we serve our beliefs. This too gives credence to the negativity that surrounds our faith. Our credibility as a people of with positive values and moral standing is laid to waste as we argue unnecessarily amongst ourselves.

 

Reform, Conservative, Orthodox or unaffiliated Jews are all of one brotherhood. We must use this recognition as an instrument creating music that can strengthen our ties. We can challenge interpretations of Torah among our sects and choose which direction we as individuals follow. Nevertheless, along with learning our holy texts, laws and customs, we must also learn about each other without bias and preconceived opinions. Teach our children to understand that all areas of Judaism should be treated with dignity. Teach ourselves that a Jewish opinion or upbringing different to our own is no less valid.

 

Respectful education within our self-delineated groups, is the strongest weapon in our arsenal, to combat anti-semitism. Ignorance, criticism and bigotry within our ranks, leads evermore strongly to the weakening of our Jewish nation and our people as a whole. Using our collective love of Judaism, let us build the future of our faith based on a foundation of mutual appreciation and solidarity.

 

 

Abi Taylor-Abt is a Jewish Educator and Curriculum Developer who has worked in the field of Jewish Education in both schools and communities for over twenty years. 

 

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