In every generation, evil people put others at risk, simply because of who they are, labeling them as“ less than” or even“ enemies” to persuade others to accept and even support their evil, leading those at risk to seek refuge elsewhere.
So, in every generation, we must resolutely support those around us in dangerously unjust circumstances, for at-risk populations depend on the people around them for life itself. This was true in Egypt, in Persia, in Poland, and in Rwanda.
In every generation, we are required to view ourselves as if we ourselves left Egypt. This may be the easy part, for we have been rescued. It is even more important that we see ourselves as the people who must save those at risk.
Whether it is easy or not. Whether it is comfortable or not. Whether it is popular or not. Whether our governmental or communal leaders agree, or not. Whether it is“ legal” or not.
Because kol dmei ger-cha tzo-akim alecha. The blood of“ your stranger” is yelling out to you. This is the story of our people, and the story of my family.
Ray Goldberg attended the JTS / Columbia Joint Program, and has decades of HR, benefits, and technology experience in large global firms, including Bankers Trust, Deutsche Bank, Marsh & McLennan, and Mastercard. He has seen first-hand that the most significant accomplishments arise from full collaboration amongst individuals and organizations with deep and wide-ranging expertise.
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