Since October 7th, it’s not uncommon to see billboards around NY and NJ that raise awareness about antisemitism, by taking a stance ‘anti’ the antisemitism. But does this double negative really create a positive? In the post above, we used the imagery of a billboard, to plaster a more authentically powerful response to anti-semitism, which is to develop pro-semitism. Love, love, love, love Jews, and then look for more reasons to love Jews. And then go speak up about all the positive things you see in Jews, advocating and defending the Jewish people.
This is not a head-in-the-sand approach to seeing hate being spread. Instead, it’s actually tackling the hate at its very root. When Jews are being slandered down here in this physical realm, it indicates that there is slandering against the Jews happening in the upper realms. Hate, comments, vile slurs, intimidation, and even rockets down here reflect forces above that are speaking out against Klal Yisroel, in the Bais Din Shel Maalah. What on earth can we do to counter such powerful forces?
Speaking positively about Yidden down here, directly counters the accusations happening above. When Jews highlight the amazing qualities, chessed, Middos, mitzvos, Torah, efforts, etc. of Jews down here, it actually creates defending forces for us above. These words provide a defence for us in Shamayim, and the parrallelled result becomes protection down here. ‘Your words have power’ is not an abstract idea, but a concrete strategy in protecting your people.
I am still deeply impacted from when R’ Zecharia Wallerstein A”H shared how he himself used to get up at podiums and give mussar about various trends he felt were negative. He said he felt that it was his duty to use his platform to speak out, and he felt he was doing the right thing. Until he was shaken up by his Rebbe, who told him that in Shamayim, they weren’t happy with Zecharia Wallerstein. R’ Wallerstein couldn’t understand why not! His Rebbe shared with him that in Shamayim, they already know all the areas the Jewish community needs to improve. ‘Hashem doesn’t need you to say those things. You go speak beautifully and positively about the Jewish people. That’s what Shamayim wants to hear from you.’’ Rabbi Wallerstein accepted the directive, and pivoted to use his platform to build, encourage, highlight and strengthen positive attributes within our community.
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 85.
