Rediscovering Humanity: A Reflection on Shabbat and Empathy

Young Israel Shomrai Emunah, a Modern Orthodox synagogue in Kemp Mill, Montgomery County, Maryland. CC BY-SA 4.0

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and divided, it is easy to lose sight of what binds us together as human beings. We are constantly confronted with headlines that highlight conflict, extremism, and intolerance, and social media amplifies voices of division. Having spent years studying extremism and living under the brutal rule of the Islamic State, where terrorism was practiced in its rawest form, I’ve witnessed firsthand how hatred and fear can tear apart societies. Yet, my recent experience attending a Shabbat service at Young Israel Shomrai Emunah of Greater Washington reminded me of the power of empathy, connection, and reflection. It offered a moment of stillness in a world gone mad, allowing me to rediscover the beauty of our shared humanity.

The Need for Deeper Understanding

We live in a time when it feels like the walls between us are growing higher. Political polarization, cultural divides, and religious misunderstandings often leave us feeling isolated from one another. The tendency to view “the other” through the lens of suspicion or fear is far too familiar. Yet, how often do we stop to truly understand the beliefs, traditions, and experiences of those different from us?

Attending Shabbat as a non-Jew provided me with an opportunity to step outside of my own experiences and engage with a tradition that I knew only from the outside. More than just a religious observance, Shabbat became an invitation to pause and reflect. It was an opportunity to open myself to the unfamiliar, explore what I did not know, and engage with people whose lives and practices differed from mine.

In that space of quiet reflection, I was reminded that while our traditions may vary, the values of empathy, love, and understanding are universal. Shabbat, for me, became a metaphor for the need to step outside of the frenetic pace of modern life and truly engage with one another, not as strangers but as fellow human beings.

The Gift of Stillness

Shabbat is often described as a day of rest, but in my experience, it was much more than that. It was a deliberate, almost sacred act of disconnecting from the outside world’s noise. For 24 hours, I turned off my phone, stepped away from digital distractions, and allowed myself to be fully present with the people around me.

In a world that never seems to stop, this act of stillness felt revolutionary. It wasn’t just about refraining from work but creating space for reflection, conversation, and connection. The world outside may have been chaotic, but within the synagogue’s walls and the homes I visited, peace came from simply being present with others.

I spent Shabbat with a kind Jewish family, and for the first time in many years, I felt a sense of family that I had not experienced since leaving Mosul nine years ago. We shared meals, stories, and laughter, and I was struck by how quickly I felt at home among them. In a world where we are so often divided by race, religion, or nationality, this experience reminded me that we are not as different as we might think. The simple act of sharing a meal, listening to one another, and being fully present was enough to bridge the gaps between us.

A Striking and Painful Reality

However, during my time with the community, there was a striking and painful observation that I could not ignore. Despite being in the United States, a country known for its freedoms, it was clear that many members of the Jewish community do not feel entirely safe in light of recent events, especially following the October 7 attacks and the subsequent rise in antisemitism. The atmosphere was one of cautious reflection—discussions were tinged with a safety concern, something that should never be questioned in a society that values freedom of belief and identity.

This sense of vulnerability resonated deeply with me. I have witnessed firsthand the devastation of people losing their sense of security. In Mosul, when terrorism and fear dominated our daily lives, the loss of that essential feeling of safety was profound. No one should feel unsafe because of who they are or what they believe in, especially in a place where diversity and religious freedom are celebrated. It is a sobering reminder that, even in the most open societies, fear and hatred can still threaten the core of our shared humanity.

Empathy as a Path Forward

After the Torah reading on Saturday morning, I attended another synagogue—Chabad Silver Spring—where I had the opportunity to discuss with people from all walks of life. We talked about everything from family and faith to the state of the world, and I was struck by how open and welcoming these conversations were. There was no sense of defensiveness or exclusion; instead, there was a genuine curiosity about one another’s experiences and perspectives.

In those conversations, I found a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy. Too often, we approach people who are different from us with a mindset of judgment or superiority. We assume that we know all there is to know about their beliefs, their struggles, and their values. But in truth, we can only begin to understand one another when we approach with humility and a willingness to listen.

Empathy is about feeling compassion for others and recognizing their humanity. It is about seeing beyond the labels and stereotypes that divide us and acknowledging that we all have hopes, fears, and dreams. It is about engaging with those we may not fully understand and doing so with an open heart and mind.

Overcoming Divisions in a Chaotic World

The world today can feel overwhelming. Local and global crises bombard us, and it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of division and suffering. Yet, if there is one thing that Shabbat taught me, it is that even amid chaos, we have the ability to create moments of connection, reflection, and peace.

Shabbat offered me a glimpse of what is possible when we step outside of the frenzy of modern life and take the time to truly see one another. It reminded me that, despite our divisions, we have more in common than we might think. We all seek connection, meaning, and understanding. And while the world may feel fractured, we can build bridges rather than walls.

In my conversations with Jewish community members, I saw the power of dialogue and the importance of exploring what we do not know. It is through such exploration—through opening ourselves to the experiences and beliefs of others—that we can begin to break down the barriers that divide us.

What Shabbat Gave Me

As someone who has lived through the worst that humanity has to offer, my experience of Shabbat was a reminder of the best. It reminded me that, even in a world filled with violence and extremism, there are still spaces where love, empathy, and understanding can thrive. It showed me that, despite the world’s madness, we can still find moments of peace and connection if we are willing to look for them.

Shabbat gave me more than just a day of rest. It gave me renewed hope in our ability to live together despite our differences. It reminded me that the divisions we see in the world are not inevitable—they result from our choices. And just as we can choose division, we can choose understanding.

In a world that feels increasingly disconnected, we need to create more spaces like Shabbat where we can come together, listen, and reflect. We must take the time to understand what we do not know and approach one another with empathy and love. Only then can we begin to heal the fractures in our world and rediscover our shared humanity.