Many articles have been written about the growth of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment in our time. This is not happening in a vacuum, they argue; these sentiments stem from the Muslims’ desire to influence the West and have a lasting impact. They argue further that this is all done with intention. There is a long-term plan in place and they have patience.
We can respond by ignoring the facts on the ground and just go on with our lives. Or, we can respond with anger and disappointment against the government that we expect to protect us. However, the best way is for us to do something about it. Perhaps the best way to proceed is by taking a page out of their playbook. As our sages teach us, “Who is wise? One who learns from every person.”
Better yet, in this week’s Torah portion, Vayechi, we are given the tools to understand and respond. We read about Jacob blessing all his children. At times, Jacob attached a symbolic animal that expressed his blessing more succinctly. When it came to his son Benjamin, Jacob said that he should be like a “wolf that grabs.”
The word “grab” in this case can apply to the person grabbing, and to the item that is being grabbed. The commentators point out that the reason why Jacob is using this term is to teach us how to take advantage of an opportunity and seize the moment.
There are times when we choose to approach an issue with a level head. We take it slowly and meticulously, until we achieve our goal. In Chasidic parlance, that is the way a righteous person behaves.
Then there are times when we can’t take the time to calculate our next move. We just must do it. We put aside all of our concerns and timetables and we jump in headfirst. This behavior is expressed as the way of a Ba’al Teshuva, the way a returnee behaves. A person who is looking to change, to return, to repent, is not looking at process alone, they are looking for results.
This person is not only taking what they can get; they grab onto anything and everything that will help them achieve their goal. Just like a wolf.
The lesson for us is clear. We cannot sit around, waiting for others to do our bidding. We must learn from the Torah. We should walk around as proud Jews. We should not apologize for who we are, and we should look for opportunities to express ourselves in ways that will make us proud of the Jew that we are.
As we welcome 2026, let’s resolve to be proud Jews, not only at home and in the synagogue, but on the street as well.
Shabbat Shalom.