As I watched the news of this week unfold my heart became increasingly heavy. Kidnappings, murders, shellings, and calls for revenge have left me speechless and pained.
Usually when I read Parshat Balak I focus on the beautiful words that the wizard Bilaam sang from the edge of a cliff, showering blessings upon the people of Israel. I smile as I think of the talking donkey. I marvel at a tradition that is comfortable enough in its belief that G-d speaks to people beyond those who share its traditions to explicitly include such incidents in its foundational book.
Today, my eyes notice on something very different. Today I see a leader who doesn’t even know our people and traditions fearing us, hating us, and calling for our destruction. I see our own ancestors unwilling to welcome and build positive relationships with their neighbors, instead seeing them as objects to use for their own purposes. I read, I think, and I wonder.. why haven’t humans grown beyond this? Will we ever truly be able to see G-d in the eyes and hearts of others? Will we ever learn?
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
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