By the time this column is published, I will be finished with shloshim for my mother. I would like to thank those who learned Mishnayos in her memory. Of the 23 days from shivah to the end of shloshim, I had Covid for 12 of them. Instead of complaining, I will follow my mother’s tradition of maintaining a positive attitude. At first glance, in our times it does not seem possible. I expect the usual suspects will mock or ridicule some of my comments.
I generally do not have such an upbeat view of the world as my mother had. However, I am like both my parents who would not let critics or naysayers sideline what they believed or wanted to do. I write what I think is correct and will not let personal attacks or other criticisms stop me.
Although I had Covid, I had little fear of it causing serious illness or death. It was not so long ago when that was not the case. Many of us knew people who succumbed to the disease. It is amazing that private industry combined with the federal government’s help was able to create a vaccine that saved so many lives and give medication such as Paxlovid for those who contracted it.
Until now, there was never a Jewish Senate Majority Leader or spouse of the Vice President. I do not think it is mere coincidence that it is happening now. Both Senator Chuck Schumer and first gentleman Douglas Emhoff have been strong voices against anti-Semitism. Senator Schumer’s speech on the floor of the Senate going through Jewish history to explain why the Jewish community is so sensitive to what is happening today was historic.
Although there have been Jews who we think have gone over to the dark side, the majority of Jews are supporting Israel and opposing anti-Semitism. Jews who had kept their Jewish identity hidden are wearing a Chai, Magen David, or other objects to show who they are. Entertainers and other celebrities whom I did not know were Jewish are speaking out in support of Israel.
Universities that claimed to be models of diversity regarding the racial and ethnic makeup of those they employ seem to have but one warped view as to what is taught. Last week, I mentioned about the percentage of 18–24-year-olds who believe that Jews are oppressors. It is even higher for whites in general. These radical views are taught in schools that shun professors with moderate and conservative views. The mantra that college is where there is a free exchange of ideas is shown to have been a farce.
Ivy League schools like Harvard, which claim that their leadership and student body consist of the best and brightest, have been shown to be neither. Harvard’s president could not state categorically that calling for the genocide of Jews is a violation of the Harvard’s rules of bullying and harassment. After the hearing, it was revealed that she was a serial plagiarizer who would be gone if she were a student. Nevertheless, she is being supported by the Board, many faculty, and students.
At first, these seem to be bad things. But in order to solve a problem, you first have to admit that there is a problem. The public airing of what is going on at universities has put the spotlight on this problem. It is not mere coincidence that the Justice Department is now investigating these colleges’ violations of Title VI concerning anti-Semitism on campus or that congressional hearings are happening about what is going on at the colleges. Donors are putting their money where their mouths are and stopping donations to schools whose responses are unacceptable.
America has been a nation of immigrants coming here to build a better life. My grandparents were part of that group. Today is no different. The southern border is being overrun by those who want to get into the county. They come here from far away, many risking their lives. They believe in the American dream. Maybe we should think of their aspirations when we look at the state of the country instead of the negativity that we hear day after day. Just as they can view our country in a positive light, so too can we find positive aspects.
Nevertheless, these illegal immigrants should not be allowed in just because they want to come in. We are a nation of laws. The law applies to everyone: potential immigrants, a past president running for office, and the president’s son. There are courts that decide the legal issues and juries that decide guilt and innocence. I am confident that they will act impartially and hopefully come to the right decision based on the facts and the law and not based politics.
OPEC has tried to keep the price of oil up by cutting production. There have also been geopolitical events such as the Russia-Ukraine War and the Israel-Hamas War. Yet the price of gas has gone down. It is due, among other factors, to the United States being the world’s largest producer of oil.
The stock market is up, and the rate of inflation is down. Unemployment has remained historically low. It looks more and more likely that there will be a “soft landing.” Inflation will stay low and unemployment will stay low. This way, the Federal Reserve can start dropping its rate.
I could give some more examples. The point is that you can spend your time complaining about everything - or you can look at everything with a positive view.
Warren S. Hecht is a local attorney. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
