Time to Take That Hill – A Post-10/7 Playbook

Since October 7^th, I have vacillated between hope and despair, ping-ponging between a visceral desire to do anything I could to fight for our people’s future and an overwhelming feeling of sadness amidst a world gone mad about Jews. As we close in on the one-year anniversary of that singularly horrific day, I find myself taking comfort from an old friend – the Torah. Once again, it provides us with the playbook, if we know where to look. This time, our eternal coach is calling us to run a seemingly simple play: refuse to give in to feelings of helplessness, set your sights on a conquerable hill, and take it.

It is overwhelming to throw our respective shoulders into the mountain of history, thinking we can make a dent. After all, none of us can be like Moses, about whom we are taught there will never be another. But if we change our perspective, the Torah teaches us that each of us can make a profound impact on the Jewish people. To find the path forward, let’s go back in time to examine the stories of lesser-known biblical characters who have shown us the way – specifically, Nachshon, Caleb ben-Yephuneh, and the Daughters of Zelophechad. These stories reveal a common thread: discrete bold action, unburdened by fear and singular in its purpose.

Nachshon helped part the Red Sea, teaching that despite our exhaustion, we must jump in feet first and trust in Hashem to protect us. Caleb ben-Yephuneh rallied the Israelites to conquer our ancestral homeland, teaching that we should press forward despite steep odds. And the Daughters of Zelophechad staked a claim in the future Jewish State, teaching us to do so regardless of societal status. These biblical heroes each picked a hill and took it – inspiring us to invest in Israel’s future and, by extension, that of the Jewish people.

Nachshon. Nachshon famously was the first Israelite to step into the Red Sea as the Egyptian army furiously was bearing down. The Midrash recounts that when the Israelites reached the Red Sea, it did not automatically part. Rather, the Israelites initially stood at the banks of the sea and cried out in despair, fearing that their escape from Egyptian slavery quickly would reach a tragic end. While others hesitated Nachshon was resolute; he saw what was happening and powered ahead into the sea, causing it to part. Nachshon exhibited devotion and bravery – but above all, he showed raw courage. Because of Nachshon’s faithful fearlessness the Israelites moved a step closer to the goal of arriving in the Promised Land.

Caleb ben-Yephuneh. When Moses dispatched twelve spies to scout the future Jewish State, virtually all returned with pessimistic tales of impenetrable cities populated by powerful inhabitants. But not Caleb (or Joshua – but Joshua gets plenty of love in the Bible so let’s give Caleb his due). Caleb spoke glowingly of a land of milk and honey and passionately tried to convince the Israelites that they could conquer their ancestral homeland. In so doing, Caleb exhibited true faith in his people. Ultimately, the entire generation who left Egypt during the Exodus would die in the desert, but not Caleb – he trusted in Hashem and was convinced that the Israelites could become a great nation.

Daughters of Zelophchad. At the height of the Israelites’ complaining in the desert, the Daughters of Zelophchad (whose individual names are not recorded in the Torah) stood up for themselves and staked a claim in the future Jewish State. When their father died without any sons, the Daughters of Zelophchad pled their case to Moses as to why they should nonetheless inherit his share of the land of Canaan – ultimately, they convinced Moses (and G-d) of the merits of their claim. In so doing, they not only exhibited a fierce commitment to advocating for what’s right, but also doubled down on the future Jewish state.

Let us channel our inner Nachshon, Caleb, and Daughters of Zelophchad as we fearlessly press forward to sustain our Promised Land, undaunted by giant problems and unafraid to jump into the deep end. Whether picking up a weapon to fight, financially supporting Jewish institutions, or driving out of office anti-Israel politicians, there are limitless hills to conquer. For example, friends and family of mine have chosen specific Israel-linked charities and spearheaded bespoke fundraising campaigns. Others have worked with October 7^th survivor groups to raise awareness and rebuild the far-too-many devasted communities. And of course, plenty have supported families of hostages still held captive (or worse). It all matters.

In Israel, despite intense division on October 6^th due, in large part, to internal debates over the controversial judicial reforms, immediately after October 7^th people came together and pitched in with all their hearts. During my post-October 7^th visits to Israel, I heard stories ranging from the sublime to the mundane (often it is difficult to distinguish between the two while in Israel). We all have heard heroic tales of soldiers grabbing their guns, leaving their families behind, and heading into battle – literally running towards the fight on October 7^th. But some stories are lesser known, such as the grandmothers who baked cookies for hours through the night to ensure that displaced children from the Gaza envelope (and eventually the North) would have something sweet to eat when they arrived at their hotels or new apartments. As the Torah teaches us, heroes come in all shapes and sizes, defined by their decisive actions during the most uncertain times.

We should make no apologies for believing in a more muscular Judaism, especially during this perilous moment for our people. For nearly 2,000 years we dreamed of returning to our historic homeland, of which Caleb so excitedly rallied the Israelites. Today, not only do we have a homeland, but it is a modern miracle. Nonetheless, our future is not guaranteed. We should channel our ancestors’ legendary resilience in the face of perpetual persecution. Now is the time to invest in the next generation of Zionists; in fact, it is our sacred duty.

We may not be able to part the Red Sea like Nachshon, but each of us can make an impact, which collectively can make a historic impact – perhaps even one of biblical proportions. So set your sights on a hill of your choosing. Conquer it with all your might. Then pick another and get back to work. There is much to do.

(*Originally published October 2024 in NJJN)