Oppression is a fate that calls for self-transcendence and not flight. Nor, might I say, has any period of our long history seen Jews do more for their brethren in need than those who have exercised leadership in North America since the Holocaust. The Second Book of Maccabees contains the first instance of Jews dying for their faith - the aged Eleazar and the unnamed mother with her seven sons, who all refused the order to violate Judaism and lead others astray in public. Martyrdom is always a cruel choice inspired by ultimate values, and Jewish history is awash with the blood of those who had the conviction and courage to make it. Unlike earlier oppressors, the Nazis gave Jews no choice, not even those who had long been severed from any ties with the Jewish community.
Integration tends to come at the expense of parochial commitments.
In the end, Judaism opens its innermost recesses of meaning only to those who are willing to subordinate their lives to its ancient, holy triad of God, Torah and Israel. Talk Shop Sign Up Search Courses Receive the JTS Torah commentary and Shabbat candlelighting times sent to you weekly by e-mail. Click here to sign up for free membership. If you're already a member, Log In .