Albert Einstein reportedly once remarked, “If my theories prove correct, the Germans will claim me as a German, the French will say I am theirs and the Americans will call me their own. If my theories are incorrect, they will all say I am a Jew.”
Like it or not, a Jew is always looked upon as… a Jew. Our nation possesses people of all races and sizes. But to the outside world we remain simply Jews.
Simply put, this means we cannot get away with doing something simply as Sarah or David. Everything we do carries weight as representatives of our people, our Torah and our tradition. Most importantly, we represent our G-d.
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This week’s parsha, Emor, reminds us of our holy calling: “You shall not desecrate My Holy Name. I shall be sanctified amidst the children of Israel. I am the Lord Who sanctifies you.”
Throughout history we have been called upon in numerous unfortunate circumstances to display our commitment to our faith. Be it during the Crusades, the Inquisition or Daniel Pearl at the hands of Al Qaeda – countless Jews have sacrificed their lives in the truest fulfillment of this verse.
For most of us, the injunction in the parsha is a personal one, albeit different.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe of Righteous Memory once commented, “It can, at times, be more difficult to live with self-sacrifice than to die with self-sacrifice.” Our duty is to live as proud Jews, serving as role models for others.
Certainly, there will be those who notice our failings and ascribe it to the Jewish people. But let’s ensure that, more than anything else, we do things that make others proud of the Jewish people. In doing so, we won’t only be helping ourselves. We will also be making this world a place where Almighty G-d feels more comfortable. And that helps everyone.