Shabbos 250

We are living in extraordinarily historic times. President Trump, in his declaration of May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month, extolled the contributions of Jewish Americans in shaping the America of today. He also called upon the Jewish People to observe this coming Shabbos in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of this great republic. He wrote, “Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath. From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.” It’s hard to overstate the historic implications of this moment. As a people that have an acute case of PTSD from centuries of outright Jew hatred, this is something we are not used to. In our history of bouncing around from country to country in the diaspora, in the best of times, we were tolerated. In the worst of times, we were massacred and had genocide inflicted upon us. It’s hard to recall a moment when Jews were ever congratulated or celebrated for holding steadfast to our faith. Earlier generations of Jewish immigrants who arrived in America were forced to choose every Friday at sundown between making a living and keeping their faith. In 2023, in a landmark case, Groff v. DeJoy, the Supreme Court unanimously strengthened workplace religious protections, ruling that employers must show a "substantial increased cost" to deny a religious accommodation. This decision rejected the previous "de minimis" (minimal) cost standard, making it easier for employees—including those observing Shabbos—to receive accommodation. Last week's Parsha discussed the Jubilee year in ancient times. The Torah records, "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof." These sacred words are etched on the iconic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. It’s no coincidence that a primary American icon features a verse from the Torah. The founders of America were greatly influenced by the Hebrew Bible and still feel that way today. Indeed, the United States is one of the very few countries in the world to mandate the word of G-d on its currency. The Jewish People have journeyed for thousands of years to cities such as Sura, Pumbadisa, Athens, and Rome. We have been met with persecution, hostility, and violence by the vast majority at these stops along our journey. America has demonstrated in word and deed that being a patriotic American and an observant Jew are not mutually exclusive. As we gather around our Shabbos tables and raise our glasses for Kiddush, let us be thankful to G-d for bestowing the gift of America on the world. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch