US midterms reshaped Washington - but they won't decide our Jewish destiny - opinion

The prevailing doom-and-gloom merchants will undoubtedly voice their concerns this week following America's midterm elections. They will contend that Washington is turning against Israel, that the old bipartisan consensus is dissolving, and that the future of American Jewry is becoming increasingly precarious. Add Israel's inconclusive election, with neither major political faction securing a Knesset majority, and there is ample material for a pessimistic spectacle. However, the author chooses not to join this chorus.

There are valid grounds for apprehension. Antisemitism is increasingly evident in public life. Some newly elected American politicians display deep hostility towards Israel, and arguments once confined to fringe groups have infiltrated the mainstream. This situation is unsettling for Jews who have long regarded America as a welcoming home. Israel's political deadlock further compounds anxieties about security and relations with its most important ally.

Despite centuries of persecution, the Jewish people have never been extinguished. Even after the destruction of the First and Second Temples, Judaism developed new institutions of learning and maintained its identity far from its homeland. Each major calamity left profound wounds, but the Jewish people endured. History teaches us that Jewish continuity has never hinged on the goodwill of a specific king, government, or parliament.

Being a light unto the nations is a profound calling, not an assertion that Jews are superior to others. Rather, it demands that we act as if our lives carry moral significance beyond ourselves, bringing justice, compassion, integrity, learning, and a sense of God into the world. American Jews must challenge antisemitism, protect Jewish students, and engage in democratic life.

However, our response should not be limited to lobbying and security measures. We must also reflect on how we make Jewishness a source of joy and meaning for future generations.

Shabbat tables, Jewish learning, Hebrew, festivals, acts of kindness, friendships, music, community, and visits to Israel are more powerful in fostering belonging than political statements. A young Jew who experiences the richness of Jewish life has a deeper connection than a mere stance on current controversies. This lesson was learned from Birthright, which has brought thousands of young Jews back to their heritage.

Jewish communities worldwide face diverse challenges, but the task remains the same: to learn, live, and pass on our Jewish inheritance. Israel must also confront its divisions and become more self-sufficient, leveraging its technological brilliance and innovation. While the US President's decision to reduce military aid to Israel is concerning, it underscores the need for Israel's self-reliance.

American Jews can maintain their deep attachment to Israel without being pressured to defend every policy. Ultimately, love of Israel transcends Israeli party politics. The greatest danger is allowing our enemies to shape our Jewish identity; instead, we must preserve our unique heritage and pass it on to future generations.