Being Chosen From Boulder

We just celebrated Shavuot, and what an inspiring holiday it was. From late-night learning to the Ten Commandments Torah reading. From the young children that decorated our bima with Mount Sinai flowers and the wonderful dairy dinner enjoyed by the community, it was truly special. Shavuot is the holiday of past, present, and future, and together, we celebrated receiving the Torah while looking ahead as we continue building a strong and vibrant Jewish community.
At the same time, the world around us is shaking. With everything happening in Israel, and the attacks against Jews and Jewish events here at home, it's easy to feel disoriented or even afraid. It is deeply troubling to see Jews being burned on the streets of America, and we are grateful to law enforcement for swifty apprehending and forcefully charging the terrorist perpetrator and his accomplices. 
We can never allow these things to deter us. Doing so would be giving those who hate us exactly what they want. In moments like these, we must hold on to a few fundamental truths that are central to the worldview of a Jew:

• The Jewish people have the right to live in peace and safety in the Holy Land of Israel, because G-d gave it to us. This is written in the Torah, which is revered by billions of people around the world. May we internalize this and have the strength to say it with pride.
  
  
• The Torah is a “tree of life to those who hold onto it.” By living according to its teachings and embracing the mitzvahs, a Jew can find true meaning, fulfillment, and peace. May we each merit a taste of this life.
  
  
• The Torah’s highest value is the sanctity of human life. When there is a threat, we must act first to protect life, eliminating danger before it strikes. We must do so until there is decisive victory, because otherwise the threat returns. May Israel have the strength to live this truth, and may we have the clarity to say it.
  
  
• At Mt. Sinai G-d made us the “chosen people.” This is not something to be ashamed of. It means we were chosen for duty and obligation to live with higher purpose and responsibility. By living with more goodness, holiness, and integrity, we act as “a light unto the nations.” May we embrace this calling and be proud of who we are.

Finally, let us find inspiration in the eternal words of priestly blessing in this week’s Torah portion: “May G-d bless you and watch over you. May G-d shine His face to you and endow you with grace. May G-d bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace.”