This week saw the election in New York City of an unapologetic anti-Zionist, a man who has repeatedly demonized Israel. Leading up to the election, some of my rabbinic colleagues spoke out from the bimah, publicly repudiating Zohran Mamdani. Even some who usually criticize speaking about politics from the pulpit applauded those rabbis for their courage and clarity.
I was among the first signatories of a rabbinic letter supporting two of my New York–based colleagues, Rabbis Elliot Cosgrove and Amiel Hirsch, who spoke out about their concerns. While I am not a New York voter, I believe there are moments when rabbis must address urgent political issues—and this is such a time.
I want to focus on one takeaway from Rabbi Cosgrove’s excellent sermon, which I commend to you. He argues that it’s not enough to talk to and try to convince one another. We need to interact with those outside of our community. As he puts it: “If it is a win you want, you need to stop directing your angst at your rabbi who already believes what you believe and instead direct it to the issues, places, and people where the needle needs to be moved and can be moved.”
That challenge resonates deeply with me. If we want to move the needle, we have to speak beyond the walls of our synagogues—to people outside our Zionist bubbles. It’s not enough to stay within the comfort of Stephen Wise Temple, Wise School, or our own social media circles.
For nearly a year, I’ve been working with my friend—and friend of our community—Bishop Michael Fisher on a unique journey to Israel we’re calling From Compton to Jerusalem.
In partnership with Amanda Berman of Zioness, we’re bringing 18 Black Christian religious leaders and influencers, along with two Black Jewish leaders, for a ten-day mission to Israel. Together, we’ll experience the extraordinary diversity of contemporary Israel, meeting Jews of every ethnicity and background, along with Palestinians from Druze, Bedouin, Muslim, and Christian communities.
More than anything, we’ll be building deep and lasting friendships—and helping our friends understand that our connection to Israel is a core component of our identity as Jews. It is as much a part of who we are as our commitment to Jewish values like justice, compassion, and empathy. Encounters like these are how we build understanding—and perhaps how we make the rise of a Zohran Mamdani in our own Los Angeles community less likely.
Follow me on Instagram at @rabbiyoshi for updates throughout the trip. Later, I’ll be inviting participants to join us at Wise to share their reflections.
For our well-being, for our safety, and truly not just for the good of our own people but for all people—for our entire country—we must engage with those beyond our community if we hope to make a difference. One conversation at a time. One person at a time. Bit by bit.
That’s how hearts are changed. That’s how understanding, respect, and ultimately peace begin.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yoshi