This week's torah portion is Lech Lecha, and involves the circumcision of Abraham and the subsequent covenant he made with G-d. In this covenant, G-d promises to give Abraham a son, to protect his descendants, and to give them the land of Canaan. It is in this promise that we read the famous guarantee that the Jewish people will be as numerous as the stars. G-d also tells  Abraham about the Jewish people being enslaved for 400 years, but informs him that we will emerge as a strong and determined nation.

This idea of the Jewish people experiencing persecution and coming out stronger is seen all throughout history. From the Spanish Inquisition to the Holocaust to October 7, our people have faced oppression but have constantly come out the other side stronger. We are able to hold on to our faith and traditions no matter what struggles we face.

As we struggle as a community with antisemitism and other issues , we will always come through stronger. We can rely on each other and  G-d to make sure the Jewish people will not just survive but thrive. We will continue to prosper until one day we are as numerous as the stars.?

This idea of resilience can also be applied to one’s personal life. Whether it is in school or an activity, sometimes in life, struggling occurs. The resilience needed to get through the difficult times makes us stronger, and in turn, our people become a stronger community.

Shabbat Shalom,

Naomi Drazin

North Texas Oklahoma