Separate and Unique

Shavua Tov-

Rabbi Twerski makes a very emphatic observation in connection with today’s Parsha. He prefaced this with the words, “It’s high time Jews recognize this!”

He is referring to the lessons of history that began with the Jews in Egypt. They were on very good terms with the Egyptians as long as they remained in the Land of Goshen. However, when they began leaving their Jewish enclave, and began participating in Egyptian theater, the troubles began. It was their attempts to assimilate that led to their ultimate slavery.

The was true with the Purim story and the participation in Achashveirosh’s feast. Over and over again this lesson has not been learned.

When Jews remain separate and unique in their beliefs, they were able to avoid the harsh pitfalls of the exile. When they tried to “fit in” and be like everyone else, they fell.

It does not mean that they were not able to contribute to their respective societies. But it meant that they got involved politically and economically with their hosts. But they were always careful not to get involved socially. The social interaction between Jews and non-Jews, never bode well.

It began in Egypt, and continues to this very day. It’s high time Jews recognize this.