The Answer for Mark Twain
by Arliene Botnick, December 31, 2024
One of my most favourite quotes was said by Mark Twain in September 1897. It was later republished in 1984 in the National Jewish Post and Observer. The words he said give me hope and pride and strength in this challenging time of rising antisemitism. Twain wants to know the secret of our immortality. I think I know the answer.
At a time where antisemitism is higher than any other time since the 1930’s, more people are choosing to enrol in the Jewish Information class and join the Jewish people. Synagogues are seeing an increase in guests visiting and asking questions about Judaism. Solel has had two amazing Chanukah programs this past weekend when several new families came out and joined us in celebrating Chanukah and in confirming, with their children beside them, that they stand with the Jewish people. Truly, we have not let the light go out, not just the oil in the beautiful legend of the oil that burned for eight days, but rather the light of our faith and our hope and our commitment to continue to live as Jews, even when times are oppressive, and dangerous , even when we are outnumbered and maligned. We will not let the light go out.
So, as we end the secular year of 2024, we will never forget the tragic and inhumane events of Oct 7, 2023. We will not forget the kidnapping and murder of the young people at the Nova rave, the brutal loss of lives of men and women, mothers, fathers, babies, the elderly as they were torn from their homes by terrorists. And we will continue to pray for the safe return, both in body and soul, of the captives. We will not forget the continuing loss of life as our young soldiers defend Israel, nor will we forget the continuing terrorist attacks that still are taking place both in Israel and around the globe against Jews. We will have empathy and share the pain of those in Gaza, who are suffering and dying, who are being used as pawns in a political game. Every loss of life diminishes each one of us, but we cannot give up our battle for recognition as equal members of society, and we will continue to stand up proudly as Jews.
I’m going to share Mark Twain’s words now, because the strength they have given me, I hope, will be a strength that you will feel as well.
His contributions to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine, and abstruse learning are also very out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He has made a marvelous fight in this world in all ages and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself and be excused for it. The Egyptians, the Babylonians, and the Persians rose, filled the planet with sound and splendour. then faded to dream-stuff, and passed away; the Greeks and Romans followed and made a vast noise, and they were gone; other people have sprung up and held their torch high for time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, and have vanished.
The Jew saw them all, survived them all and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert, but aggressive mind. All things are mortal, but the Jews; all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?”
The simple but powerful answer: Our B’rit, our covenant with God. This will keep us strong. And for this we endure!
Happy secular New year. Health and fulfilment and peace for all Shalom!
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