We direct readers’ attention, once again, to the insights of Adam Hummel, a GTA lawyer and human rights activist. Last month he addressed a gathering at a Toronto synagogue in which he propagated seven duties to guide the community’s next steps going forward “at this turning point in Jewish history” in the post-October 7 world.
It must be pointed out that all of the duties that Hummel articulates are the offspring of Judaism’s values. Those values emanate from the widely-based, multi-level, self-supporting, luminescent and prismatic architecture we call Judaism. It is for this reason that we point to Hummel’s suggested seven duties. For it is through Jewish education and the example that flows from a life lived supported by Jewish education that our children acquire the values that will fortify them all their life-long. Despite and through all storms.
The following are Hummel’s proposed duties and a mini-explanation of their meaning.
Duty to our Judaism
“If we are particular, and we do not stray from what makes us Jewish, then we will be heard around the world – people will know who we are, and what legacy we come from….[K]indle the flame and pass it on. “
Duty to each other
“[W]e are Jews. We have a duty to one another, and we cannot let minor differences separate us, or pull our community apart. We are frankly too small and we cannot afford these rifts.”
Duty to Israel
“(Israel) has to fight to defend itself from countries like Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. From terror groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, Al Qaeda, and ISIS. From multinational groups like the UN and UNRWA, from student groups on campus, and yes, from misguided Jews themselves…These entities seek the dismantling of the world’s only Jewish State, and they must be opposed…[In] our lifetimes we have witnessed the establishment, development, and flourishing of our Jewish State…[W]e have a duty to safeguard and keep strong the State of Israel.”
Duty to history
We have a duty … to remember where we come from…to remember the strength that we brought to each generation’s challenges, and to ensure we demonstrate that strength – that certain something – again and again.”
Duty to stay informed
“We have a duty to stay up to date and informed about the condition of our brothers and sisters in Israel, about the challenges we face as Jews in Canada, and about what the world is saying about us today. We can only effectively respond when we are adequately informed.”
Duty to the truth
“[Our] enemies are good at lying. They lie effectively, and often. They lie about our motives, our actions, our history, and who we are. Of course, they do so because it is easier to lie than to tell the truth…We have the truth on our side, and even though it sometimes seems like telling the truth may be a losing battle… our narrative can only be consistent, and our fight can only remain virtuous if we stick to the truth.”
Duty to rebel
“We have a duty to ask questions, to push back, to take nothing for granted…[S]tand your ground, own your position, and do so unapologetically. We have a duty to rebel, but only with a purpose in mind. We come from a long line of nudniks, and push back is what our people need.”
Hummel concluded his remarks by encapsulating the purpose of Jewish life, although he did not say it in those words. “Let’s draw strength from our community, pride in our collective actions, and remember that we have a duty to our legacy, to our people, to Israel, and to our children’s future. Am Yisrael Chai”
Hummel’s full remarks can be found at:
https://catchjcp.substack.com/p/on-duty?utm_medium=reader2
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June 11, 2024 has been set for Ontario’s appeal of the 46-page decision by Judge Eugenia Papageorgiou denying the province’s request to dismiss GAJE’s application for fairness in educational funding before it has actually been argued in court. If the appeal fails, the application proceeds to a hearing on its merits. If the appeal succeeds, GAJE will appeal.
If you wish to contribute to GAJE’s lawsuit, please click here.
For further information, please contact Israel Mida at: imida1818@gmail.com
Charitable receipts for donations for income tax purposes will be issued by Mizrachi Canada. Your donations will be used for the sole purpose of underwriting the costs of the lawsuit.
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Shabbat shalom. Am Yisrael Chai.
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education (GAJE)
April 5, 2024
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education 