Every Person is a Whole World

We live in a deeply polarizing time. Too many people have lost the ability or willingness to tolerate those who look different, think differently, or hold different beliefs. We have seen a troubling rise in bigotry, racism, intolerance, and, particularly, antisemitism within our own community.

Our response is often to protest and call on people to be more tolerant and empathetic toward groups they view negatively. These efforts are important, but they address the symptoms without confronting the root of the problem: the belief that some human beings are worth more than others.

At its core, bigotry is a rejection of human equality. It is the belief that people should be judged and treated differently because of their background, beliefs, language or skin color. It reduces human beings to categories and assigns different levels of worth to different people.

At sundown on Friday, September 11, we will mark Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, ushering in the year 5787. In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah marks the creation of Adam and Eve.

The Torah tells us that Adam, the first human being, was created alone. The Talmud offers three profound lessons about why humanity began with a single individual.

First, Adam was created alone so that no person could claim superior ancestry or say, “My ancestors are greater than yours.” We all came from the same person, from Adam.

We are all equal.

Every human being is created in the image of the Creator. Our differences—our religion, ethnicity, language, culture or appearance—do not make one person more valuable than another. Every person deserves dignity and respect simply because they are human.

But equality does not mean sameness.

The second lesson teaches that Adam was created alone because every person is unique. No two people are exactly alike. Each of us has experiences, perspectives, talents, relationships and possibilities that have never existed before and will never exist again. No one can replicate Adam or any of us.

And then comes the third lesson: Adam was created alone to teach us that every person is an entire world.

Every human life contains an entire universe of potential—dreams, relationships, kindnesses and contributions that may never be replicated. We are therefore not only equal and unique; every human being is of infinitely value.

Imagine if we approached one another with that understanding; that every person is equal, that every person is unique, and that every person is an entire world.

Then we would look at those who are different from us not with suspicion or hostility, but with empathy, and respect. We would recognize that the differences that divide us, do not diminish our shared humanity, they enrich it.

As we usher in our new year on Rosh Hashanah, let us commit to appreciating the infinite value of every human being, regardless of how different they may be from ourselves. Let us spread the light of equality empathy to everyone around us.

Our actions create ripples that reach people and places we may never see. Every act of kindness, respect and compassion can help push back against bigotry and bring more light into our world.

I invite you to celebrate with me at our warm and inspiring Rosh Hashanah services led by a renowned New York City choir. Services are free and open to all, with special kid-friendly options. Learn more at jccmb.com/highholidays.

May this New Year be one in which we see not only our differences, but the infinite value in every human being.

Wishing you a happy and sweet new year