Faith in Humankind

In this week’s Torah portion, Vayera, Gd tells Abraham that the city of Sodom will be destroyed for its wickedness. Abraham asks Gd to spare the city if even ten righteous people can be found. I’ve often wondered about Abraham’s expression of faith in humankind in this moment.

We have all seen the data of rising antisemitism worldwide. The data alone cannot express what we felt when Israeli soccer fans were violently attacked in Amsterdam last week. There is even a name for it that is specific to Jews, a pogrom, or a mob attack on Jews.

We as Jews could viscerally feel the connection to times throughout history, from pogroms our grandparents and ancestors endured, to Kristallnacht, to October 7. It seems we cannot escape antisemitism, only skirt its reach and hope it does not come to roost here in our community.

…

Despite the data, we too must continue to have Abraham’s faith in humankind if we are to move forward. As the outreach arm of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, the JCRC works year-round to fight antisemitism through programming, advocacy, and education. Our programs, such as Catholic Jewish Hanukkah, Shine a Light Shabbat, and Hanukkah Storytime, educate people of other faiths who may never have met a Jew or know little about Judaism.

Our advocacy opportunities, such as Calls to Action, Candidate Forums, and Jewish Communities Day at the State build bridges to our public officials. Our participation in citywide events, such as the MLK March and the Interfaith Service, gives our community visibility. Each program, each action, and each connection build ripple effects throughout San Antonio.

We know how the story of Sodom played out. We need more than ten righteous people to fill our city with allies against antisemitism. To do that, we need your help.

The work of the JCRC and the Jewish Federation of San Antonio is essential, but it is only through the collective efforts of each of us that we can create lasting change. Now more than ever, we need your voice, your support, and your commitment to standing up against hatred. Whether through participating in our programs, engaging in advocacy, or simply educating others, you can make a difference. Together, we can build a community that rejects intolerance and fosters understanding, ensuring that San Antonio remains a place where all can live in safety and dignity.  We are STRONGER TOGETHER. 

Lisa Epstein, PhD
Director Jewish Community Relations Council