Rabbi Warren Goldstein, the chief rabbi of South Africa, is using online videos to reach people around the world with messages of faith, hope, and understanding during the turmoil in and around Israel, including recent attacks by Iran and ongoing antisemitism. He emphasizes the spiritual quote, “It’s not in the sky…It’s in your heart,” from Deuteronomy 30, applying heavenly principles to the physical realm. Through his videos, Rabbi Goldstein helps viewers gain a deeper understanding of world events and politics from a spiritual perspective they may not see otherwise. He emphasizes the miraculous survival of the Jewish people during Passover, dating back to the time of Moses and the exodus from Egypt.
The recent Iranian attacks on Israel and Israel’s successful defense against them are seen by many as a modern-day miracle, reminiscent of biblical times. Rabbi Goldstein stresses that the conflict in the region goes beyond simple territorial disputes, portraying it as a great civilizational battle that touches on the essence of who the Jewish people are. Despite facing centuries of persecution and more recent violence, Jews have remained resilient and steadfast in their faith. The rabbi encourages Jews around the world not to allow themselves to be defined by the hatred or antisemitism of others.
Antisemitism, which Rabbi Goldstein describes as having an unrelentingly persistent and uniquely vicious nature, has surged in recent years, particularly after the October 7, 2023 terror attacks in Israel. The fear and uncertainty faced by Jewish students on college campuses and elsewhere have raised questions about the role of Judaism in their lives. The rabbi urges Jews to hold onto their faith, heritage, and identity despite the challenges and threats they may face. Passover, with its symbolic meal and rituals, provides an opportunity for Jewish people to connect with the spiritual meaning of being Jewish and to remember their history of oppression and freedom.
The Passover Seder, a ceremonial meal reenacting the journey of the Israelites from slavery to freedom, includes symbolic foods like matzoh, bitter herbs, and charoset. These elements serve as reminders of the hardships faced by the Israelites in Egypt and the hope and optimism they maintained throughout their trials. The Seder also includes four cups of wine to honor the promises God made to redeem the Israelites from slavery. Rabbi Goldstein emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and spiritual significance of these rituals in the context of Jewish history and faith.
Rabbi Goldstein believes that the challenges faced by the Jewish people throughout history, including antisemitism, were predicted thousands of years ago. The Passover song, Vehi Sheamda, which expresses the constant threat of enemies rising up against the Jewish people and God’s continuous protection, is a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of Jewish faith and survival. The rabbi stresses the importance of viewing world events not just through a political or military lens but also through a spiritual perspective, recognizing the presence of God in the history and resilience of the Jewish people.
In the face of ongoing threats and challenges, Rabbi Goldstein encourages Jews to embrace their faith and heritage with pride and defiance against those who seek to harm them. By connecting with the spiritual meanings of Passover and understanding the historical context of Jewish survival and resilience, he believes that Jewish people can find strength and hope in the face of adversity. Despite the persistence of antisemitism and the dangers facing Jews around the world, the rabbi’s message is one of faith, resilience, and a deep connection to the traditions and history of the Jewish people.
