What Are My Religious Obligations?

As the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I constantly ask myself: What would I have to do to feel like I’m not a bystander to the injustices around me?

Each society has its own injustices, so this question is always relevant. But at the moment, when I look at some of the developments in Israeli politics, it seems more relevant than ever.

When I moved to Israel, I set for myself one concrete requirement: I had to attend 4 events a year related to creating social change. I would keep a list, and check off the numbers, to ensure I met this obligation.

In this moment of urgency, I find myself asking: Should I change my calculations?

Assuming that my obligation to create change has increased due to national circumstances:

How do I factor in activities like my blogging? Am I allowed to factor in that elements of my career involve advancing causes I care about? Am I allowed to factor in that I am blessed with a family situation that is busier than it was 10 years ago, when I moved here?

I believe that one of the deepest ways I can contribute to the solution is to promote a Torah of kindness. So if I am teaching Torah, does that “count”? How does that measure against attending a rally?

I don’t have answers to these questions, but as a religious Jew, I keep on asking myself: Haim yatzati yedey chovati -have I fulfilled my obligation to make this world a better place -litaken olam bemalchut Shaday.