How to Personally Respond to Anti-Semitism

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In situations of terrorism and anti-semitism attacks that you have no control over, the answer is to control what you can control: Your own life and destiny. The great mystic, the Baal Shem Tov teaches that you are like a mirror — everything you witness is a reflection of what you need to refine in your own world. When you witness violence, look carefully at the discord you experience (and perhaps perpetuate) in your own life. When you build a secure life, home, and family, you are building a secure world.

“Harmony in our personal lives brings harmony into the world.” – Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Concrete Suggestions for Bringing Peace Into Your Sphere of Influence

1. Lead by example: Be proud of who you are. And act accordingly. You represent something greater than yourself and your actions and words must reflect that. Leading by example is one of the most effective ways to demand a higher standard from your family and community.

2. Stand for something: Do you know what your ideology is? What you stand for? Define your values, and build a life around them.

3. Educate others: Instead of complaining about ignorance in your world, shine light from your own corner. A small light dispels a lot of darkness. Teach love and light. Teach truth. And remember – teach; don’t preach.

4. Connect to something eternal: Lasting security comes not only from external forces like governments and police, but also from your connection to a power greater than yourself. It bolsters your sense of personal agency by giving you a solid spiritual foundation to stand on.

5. Engage with others: Reach out to people with different backgrounds than your own, and have a discussion about values and faith. Invite diverse guests to your home.

6. Stop judgmentalism: Review whether your faith and value system helps you to inspire others or to criticize others.

Every action you take has a ripple effect on the universe. Your acts of integrity, kindness, and generosity in your personal world have a transcendent power that anyone can imagine.


SOULGYM I MASTERCLASS
Live with Rabbi Simon Jacobson
Is Anti-Semitism Ever Justified?
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 @8:30pm
Live Stream | Podcast

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