Noise #102

Peace and pride in 5784

“One good way to fight antisemitism is to do something Jewish—publicly. Consider this outward pride in your identity as an act of subversion against the growing temptation to hide our Jewish selves.”

This striking quote, from an even more striking Time Magazine article published earlier today, was written by Rabbi Diana Fersko of New York City’s Village Synagogue.

Her essay articulates the painful dissonance of seeing bomb-sniffing dogs vet a synagogue before a celebration of peace and renewal, having to scrutinize lockdown doors and security threats as sacred holidays approach.

Rabbi Fersko’s response is defiance:

As we approach the Jewish new year, instead of simply ceding our sacred time to worry and fear, this is the exact season to do the one thing that true antisemites deplore: to be boldly, joyously, outwardly Jewish. This year at the High Holidays, instead of being trepidatious, I’ll have a little extra pep in my step. I won’t let antisemitism dampen this sacred period, and neither should the Jewish people.

This recording, Noise #102, is my musical reaction to Rabbi Fersko’s essay, and the themes of barbed wire and brilliance she writes about. I hope you enjoy listening.

Wishing you peace,

Michael

(Noise #102 by Michael Gallant. Copyright 2023 Gallant Music LLC. All Rights Reserved.)