Is the South Dakota Jewish community too small to matter?

As we gear up to break ground for a beautiful campus for the South Dakota Jewish community, some wonder about our proposed community center, or if a permanent space is even needed at all? The Jewish population here is small. As one friend put it, “tiny is too big a description.” Published data (though inaccurate!) sometimes estimates the Jewish population of South Dakota at 250–500. While we’re not quite that small, we are still few in number and even smaller in percentage.

The story of South Dakota Jewry may very well have its first roots in this week’s Torah portion. In his parting words, Moses urges the people of Israel to always remain loyal to G-d, reminding them to live up to their Divine mission, even when amongst nations far more numerous. He says, “For you are the least of all peoples” (Deuteronomy 7:7).
Here in South Dakota, we understand what it means to be the smallest of all peoples. Most of us are the only Jew in our workplace, the children the only Jew in their grade at school, and I’ve often thought of this verse when reflecting on our role here.

As Moses said, the Jewish people have always been a small group. That might prompt some to wonder what our purpose is and how we can accomplish it. Even if we survive, how can we have a meaningful impact?

The Rebbe addressed this question with a powerful analogy. He explained that science has demonstrated that quantity is not always the deciding factor. The question is whether we can unlock the quality energy and potential that exists within us. Just like an atom, though tiny, can release immense power when its latent energy is tapped, we too carry within us incredible spiritual energy.

In nuclear fission, power is released by breaking the atom into smaller components. Spiritually, this means breaking our egos to allow our Divine essence to shine. The more we master this “spiritual technology,” the less we need to be concerned by small numbers.

This is true for us as a people, that we should not define ourselves as “a minority,” but recognize the value, potential, and benefit we bring to society by living as G-d intended: being a light to those around us and adding goodness, kindness, and spirituality. It is also true for each of us as individuals. As the Rebbe taught, “No community is too small, and no Jew is too far.” We each have a mission, a mandate, and unlimited potential to succeed and achieve it.
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Within each of us lies the power to impact the world around us for the good, one step at a time. As a community, we may be small in number, but we matter, and our spiritual needs matter. So together we are building something lasting and meaningful, a beautiful Jewish Community Center that will serve our growing community for generations to come. We look forward to celebrating this big monumental step with you on Tuesday at 2:30.