Will I See you on Friday!

People often dismiss sport and music as entertaining distractions from the “real world.” But perhaps they are doing something our politicians and institutions no longer can: bringing people together.

As the Royal Commission concludes its first block of confronting testimony and absorbs more than 10,000 submissions, one painful truth is becoming impossible to ignore. Social cohesion will not come from media or social media echo chambers.

Just this week, our major media organisations rejected the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, refusing even the most basic framework for identifying hatred against Jews. At a moment when many Jews feel vulnerable and isolated, that decision spoke volumes.

But a different decision spoke louder! The entire world watched Noam Bettan raise his right hand over his eyes and recite the Shema as the scores came in for Eurovision. Israel, for the second consecutive year, finished in an extraordinary second place. Noam stood on that stage carrying far more than a song. He carried the hope and resilience of an entire nation.

The performance was electric. The crowd roared so loudly that it drowned out the scattered boos. Boycotts failed. Attempts to isolate Israel failed. Even rule changes designed to stop Israel from gaining votes could not silence supporters.

For once, Israelis were awake in the middle of the night not because of sirens, but because they were glued to their televisions watching one of their own proudly declare to the world: “Am Yisroel Chai.”

It was more than entertainment. It was defiance. It was Jewish pride refusing to be silenced.

If it’s not our love for music, it’s our love of sport that also made headlines. In his submission to the Royal Commission, our very own Sir Frank Lowy reflected on his immigrant journey in Australia. Among all his extraordinary successes, he chose to focus on one particular passion: the world game.

Decades ago, despite prejudice and resistance, Frank brought soccer into the Australian mainstream and placed Australia firmly on the global football map.

Through sport, Frank built bridges. He created unity where others saw division. He understood something many have forgotten: when people stand together, barriers begin to fall.

Now, in the face of rising antisemitism, he warns that Australia must remain united in confronting antisemitism before it poisons our social fabric entirely.

That message feels especially powerful as we approach Shavuot to celebrate the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. To stand together and receive it anew.

The Torah was not given to individuals. It was given to an entire people standing together “as one person with one heart.” Our moment of revelation only became possible through unity, shared responsibility and collective destiny.

There is a beautiful Midrash that describes how Hashem asked the Jewish people to provide guarantors who would ensure the Torah would endure. First they offered their ancestors. Then their prophets. Both were rejected. Finally, they said: “Our children will be our guarantors.” Only then did Hashem agree.

Our greatest guarantee is not the past, but the future. More important than how Jewish your grandparents were, is how Jewish your grandchildren will be!

That is why Shavuot places such emphasis on bringing our children to Shule to hear the Ten Commandments. It is not merely a tradition. It is the transmission of identity, faith and purpose from one generation to the next.

This Shavuot, let us sing together, cheer together, stand together and once again gather at Sinai as one People with one heart.

So will I see you on Friday?Chag Sameach! 

Rabbi Levi and Chanie