Aron Moss
Question: After knowing you for years I still have no idea what your political views are. Do you have anything to say on the recent developments in world politics?
Response: As a rabbi, I usually avoid divisive topics, like politics and religion. But since you asked, I will share with you some thoughts.
I have to admit, I am captivated by the story of one man's rise to power. Whatever your political persuasion, you can't help but marvel at his achievements.
No one would have predicted that he would become a world leader. When he started out, people laughed at him. His ideas were unpopular and even members of his own family didn't believe he would get anywhere.
But he ignored them all. He swam against the tide, fought against the odds, and didn't care about mainstream opinion.
People in power saw him as a threat and used any means possible to block his way. They even tried to assassinate him. He miraculously survived the attempt at his life, and it only made him stronger.
Defying every prediction, disproving every expert, he became the most powerful man in the world. It's fair to call him the greatest disrupter in history. He is my hero.
It should be obvious who I'm talking about: Abraham, the father of the Jewish people.
When the whole world worshipped idols, Abraham taught that there was one G-d for us all. Instead of pagan gods who fight each other, he taught of a kind G-d who tells us to love each other.
This message was not popular. Abraham became known as the Hebrew, meaning the other-sider. Everyone was against him, and he was alone on the other side. His own father sought to undermine him. The authorities threw him into a fire for his beliefs.
But he survived. His teachings started to catch on and eventually changed the world. He started off as a lonely voice, but today over four-and-a-half billion people follow the monotheistic faiths that he inspired. And his children, the Jewish nation, continue his Hebrew spirit, with faith under all circumstances and defiance in the face of opposition.
Abraham's influence did not come from his wealth, charisma or desire for power. It came from his sincere faith, kindness of heart and uncompromising search for truth. That's a real leader. The rest is just politics. Let's stay out of that.
