Dear Erica,
Purim is around the corner and Passover not long after. I feel that our holidays keep telling the same story. Someone wants to kill us. We’re the underdog, but we win. And then we have a celebration and eat. As a Jewish communal professional, I am worried that the same story creates a persecution complex, and as leaders we pay the price for it. People just don’t want to join. Help.
Unmasked at the ball in Bethesda
Dear Unmasked,
You can take off your mask, and just be yourself. I couldn’t agree with you more. Our history is full of triumphs and not only hardships. We wouldn’t be here if that were not the case. It’s about time that we as a people emphasize our success and tell an alternate story to the life from the ashes narrative. We should be proud of our survival; at the same time, we run a great and often misunderstood risk when we play the sad, guilty or persecuted card again and again. It’s not a reason to join. Sometimes, it’s a reason people run in the opposite direction. What they say in fund-raising is just as true in life: “People are drawn to success, not distress.” Fortunately, we have a wonderful story of success to share. As leaders, it’s more than a good idea. It’s a responsibility.
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I would add that while its a nice joke that the story of Purim is "they wanted to kill us, we won, let's eat" the real lessons of the holiday are ones that should draw people to Judaism. Esther had to take risk to stand up for her people. When the Jews were saved they at first partied, but then they realized they needed to make their celebration "Jewish" so they added gifts to their friends (community building) and presents to the poor (tzedakah)." There are other lessons as well. Richard Dine
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