“Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that”
-Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
The violence that ensued in Israel over the last few weeks breaks my heart. I mourn for all the lives that were lost, the families that were shattered. Equally heartbreaking is the anti-semitic rhetoric that seems to be dominating the internet and the hate crimes that seem to be popping up all over the country, including my city of Los Angeles. While the history of Israel is complex, (and important for us to learn about) the reality is that this truth is simple: our world has no room for more hate. What we need is more love, more compassion, more understanding.
I was lucky enough to participate in a Shavuot concert/learning with some of the best and brightest Cantors and Rabbis from temples all over Los Angeles. My friend and teacher, Cantor Chayim Frenkel and I performed a song by Noah Aronson called “Let There Be Love” which just so happened to be the perfect way to express this longing for love and understanding that has been lingering in my heart lately.
I hope you enjoy this piece, and that it inspires you to continue to “spread the love” in every way possible in your daily lives.
The book of Leviticus says, וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥ לְרֵעֲךָ֖ כָּמ֑וֹךָ, which means, Love Your neighbor as yourself.
Whether your neighbor is Israeli or Palestinian, black or white, Jewish or Muslim, similar to you or totally different than you…it is still upon us to LOVE them as you love yourself. Of course, that means we must first love and accept OURSELVES, so that we can share that love and light with others.
It’s simple.
With Love,
Josh
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