News

The other week, I was walking in NYC by a museum while waiting for someone I was meeting, and I saw a group of, let’s call them, ultra-liberals (they identified themselves that way through certain insignia). They were looking at a statue when I overheard one of them say, “I’m not sure who this statue is of, but it really is exquisite.”

Every instinct in me wanted to walk over and say, completely straight-faced, “That’s the founder of Fox News.” But I held myself back because these days, humor just doesn’t always seem to be wanted.

A few days later, I was on the train, conveniently listening to two self-identified conservatives talking about politics. One of them quoted something about life that he enjoyed, but couldn’t remember who had said it. I really wanted to lean over and say, “That’s Hillary Clinton.” But again, I held myself back.

I walked away from both incidents laughing to myself because I love humor, love to laugh, and I’m constantly self-entertaining which makes life awesome for me.

As I’ve gotten older and the world has become more politically polarized, I’ve become a staunch member of the DSA. No, not the Democratic Socialists of America. I'm a member of the Don’t Say Anything club.

There are so many moments when I want to say something, either because there’s a politically incorrect joke screaming to be made or because someone says something about politics or the Jewish community that I think is so wrong that I feel compelled to respond. But I usually stop myself because it doesn’t feel like my time yet.

My job at JGO is to engage every Jewish grad student possible.

I have always strongly believed that rabbis and Jewish organizations should stay in the center, avoiding public political positions so Jews across the political spectrum feel welcome and part of our community.

But lately, DSA is becoming even harder for me.

It’s one thing to stay quiet about politics or let a good joke go. It’s another thing to watch the threats facing the Jewish community grow more serious and more dangerous, while some within our own community either don’t see what’s happening, are actively supporting those very threats, or are simply apathetic.

And then there are rabbis or Jewish organizations making statements that seem completely disconnected from what much of the Jewish community on the ground is experiencing. Sometimes they represent only a tiny sliver of Jewish opinion, yet their statements get picked up by the press and presented as though they are an authoritative voice for the Jewish community. That can be incredibly frustrating to watch.

Everyone today seems to have a Torah quote explaining why they need to speak out about everything, while the Talmud famously teaches us the value of silence. Silence may be golden, but lately I’ve been wondering whether that silence can also come at a cost. As our JGO student community continues to grow, and our alumni community grows along with it, many know that I’m apolitical. But more and more, they’re asking for my opinion about what’s happening in the Jewish community.

And it’s making me ask myself: Is it time for me to stand up?

When does staying in the center mean staying out of politics, and when does staying silent mean failing to speak up for the Jewish community? How much has to happen before we decide that something needs to be said?

I’m figuring out where that line is, and I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts.

And if you disagree with everything I just wrote, don’t worry. I already know what I’m going to say.

Nothing.

DSA! For now :)

Dave