Last Shabbat, we hosted Ben M. Freeman, author of “Reclaiming Our Story: The Pursuit of Jewish Pride.”

A focus of his talk to the Wise Parents Association was the precipitous rise in antisemitism in recent years. During the discussion, a father in our community shared the chilling story of when he recently went shopping with his children. Concerned that a stranger might harm them, he told his children, “If someone asks if you’re Jewish, tell them ‘no.’”

He told us that it was so painful to utter those words, given how proud he is to be a Jew. Tragically, we find ourselves in a moment where we are deeply concerned about our well-being and safety as Jews both here in America and Israel. October 7 has changed how we feel about our world and how we see ourselves.

I have been a public Jew for most of my life. I grew up in a medium-sized town where everybody in my school and community knew that I was Jewish. In college, I led the reform Shabbat service almost every week for four years. I’ve worn a yarmulke in public most of my adult life. I realize, however, that not every Jew has had this same experience. I understand, especially now, why some might feel reluctant to be a public Jew. I’ve even heard some people ask questions about the advisability of removing their mezuzahs from their homes or putting up Hanukkah decorations this year.

We have good reason to be concerned. There really are people who wish us harm. At the same time, we must not give in to fear or turn away, God forbid, from the very thing that gives our lives meaning and brings us a sense of comfort and shalom.

I want to suggest that — especially now — we lean more fully into our Judaism and celebrate it with greater energy and commitment than ever before. Come for Shabbat services. Join us for Torah study. Relish every simcha, every bar and bat mitzvah, wedding, or baby naming. Savor those moments of celebration. Don’t ever let anyone, especially those who seek to marginalize, erase, or terrorize us, steal our joy, our pride, or our glorious 3,000-year-old tradition.

I am grateful to be part of a synagogue community that invests so meaningfully in security. There’s nowhere in our city I feel safer than at Stephen Wise Temple. We need each other.

We must gather together in strength, determination, and pride to declare in one voice: We are Jews!

Am Yisrael Chai,

Rabbi Yoshi