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A Thought as a New Week Begins
The Hebrew word for fear and awe are identical.
That is why "Fear of G-d" is so misunderstood.
We are not supposed to fear G-d and what G-d might do to us.
We are to be in awe of G-d and through G-d, understand what we are capable of becoming.
In many ways, we also confuse fear and awe when it comes to those who come to this country fleeing danger around the world.
We are being told to fear Haitians who are here through Temporary Protective Status, just like many who come to America in a need of safety through the refugee resettlement program or crossing our border seeking asylum.
We are told to fear them.
That they steal our jobs and ruin our communities.
That they are dangerous and poison our way of life.
And far too many demagogues use this fear of the "other" to create walls, tell lies, and divide us.
The reality is that we should be in awe of those who come to America.
Because we remember how our families arrived.
How difficult a trek it was for our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents.
How hated they were when they arrived for how they spoke, practiced their heritage, and prayed to G-d.
How ridiculed they were and how "dangerous" their presence posed to this country.
Fear tells us to be afraid of the immigrant, the refugee, the "other."
Awe inspires us to be moved by their stories; touched by the indomitable human spirit and excited for the newest chapter of this country's extraordinary history.
Fear of G-d has always made G-d seem small and petty.
Awe of G-d has always reminded us of G-d’s glory.
Fear of the stranger has made our country small, weak, and vulnerable.
Awe of those who come in search of the American idea has made our country admired, prosperous, and exceptional.
In the words of Ann Curry, there is no 'us' and 'them'.
There is only us, one human family.
Connected in ways we sometimes forget.
-Rabbi Victor Urecki
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