Who is leading us? What is happening to us? When will it end? Where are we headed? Why are we participating? How do we stop it?
We are at a crossroads in the US, and seemingly even more so in our Jewish community. Politics has no business on the Bema or being spoken from our leaders where it looks like you are speaking for the whole. We are individuals not just a member of a congregation, or our local Jewish community at large. We have our own voices and decide how we choose to use. Are we going back in time to the days of the Pharaoh? On many occasions over the last few year’s we have been tested and tested again; but have we truly risen to the occasion? In my opinion, we have failed, and our leaders have failed us.
So what now? We are fast approaching Rosh Hashanah, a sweet time celebrating a new year, but how sweet is it? We appear more divided than we are united. Why do I feel this way? I’ll tell you.
Our shul’s and our Rabbis are supposed to be a safe place, a place for spiritual and personal guidance, a place to come together as a congregation, community and as Jews. However, it no longer exists as a safe place when our leaders evoke their own personal beliefs, making members of the community or even congregational members uncomfortable for having a differing of opinions. Keeping people from their place of worship because sermons sound more like a political rally, or is this what the Torah teaches us? To be intolerant to other thoughts. Our conduit to G-d telling us their views are the only way and we must fall in line or be ousted? Will our family, friends and community really shun us for not falling in line?
I have to wonder those calling themselves leaders and fighting for someone who was supporting groups and organizations who wish for us to not exist. Do you really think that was the wise choice? Did other faith leaders run to support Jews after Oct 7th? Did any of this limited group of so-called Jewish leaders attend the vigil on the campus of the University of Cincinnati, in solidarity, on the evening of 9/16/2025? Did they step forward and denounce the killing of a ‘political’ figure, or did they just stay home and do nothing to unify people of all faiths against the evil in the world? I personally have not heard from any of the 31 rabbis who vehemently called for the release of an imam, condemn the assassination of Charlie Kirk, from what I know, none showed up. What that tells me is certain leaders are not being authentic with their cries for unity and just perpetuate the friction.
We are at a serious crossroads in our society and across the globe. We need to be closer than ever, not disconnected from each other. That just stands to make us easier prey for the next attack.
So I now call on you to challenge these leaders and yourself to ask, “Do we want to survive or do we want to become extinct? Do we really want to separate ourselves from long-time friends because we have a few issues that we don’t agree on? Should we be terrified to use our voices for fear of being physically harmed or doxed?
Think about it. We just had Slichot, reciting prayers for forgiveness. Rosh Hashanah is upon us, where we celebrate the new year. And just after the new year, with Yom Kippur, a day of sacrificing to benefit the needy with our mitzvah bags and asking Hashem to forgive our transgresses and transgressors.
Ask yourself how authentic you are really being during these high holy days, and I believe you’ll find none of us are being sincere enough. Course correct while you can and make the meaningful change worthy of atonement. I think you’ll see a change and that we really aren’t so different, but do lead by example.
Emily Seeskin
Cincinnati, Ohio
