The Meaning of Never Again

Today marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

 

In his groundbreaking essay on Jewish theology and the Holocaust, Rabbi Irving Greenberg speaks to a theme that feels especially meaningful for our Toronto Jewish community on this solemn day.

 

Rabbi Greenberg writes of the horrors of the Shoah and the painful—often unanswerable—questions it raises for our understanding of Judaism and spirituality. But what’s most fascinating is his description of how, after the Holocaust, the Jewish people chose to begin an era of unprecedented renewal in spite of those unresolved questions.

 

He writes of the incredible strength of Israel, a newfound unity in the Diaspora, and a heightened dedication to tzedakah, Jewish learning, and observance. The picture he paints is remarkable:

 

The Jewish people responded to the total assault of death by an incredible outpouring of life. The survivors came [to Israel] and rebuilt their lives. Jewish life was made precious again. The great biblical symbol that, according to the prophets, would some day prove that the covenant had endured is the reestablishment and repopulation of the land of Israel.*

 

His words remind me of the many incredible survivors who chose to make Toronto their home in the years after the war. After experiencing unimaginable suffering, they chose to rebuild their lives—and they played an integral role in building our community and city.

 

But their greatest legacy is to be found in the thousands of families in our community who are only here today because our survivors chose the path of renewal. The outpouring of life that Rabbi Greenberg speaks of can still be heard in the laughter of children throughout our community, the descendants and the victory of those who survived.

 

Eighty years after Auschwitz, never again is a commitment to protect our ability to live as proud Jews today. It’s why we fight antisemitism and strengthen community security. It’s why we invest in NGOs that are ready to rescue Jews in danger anywhere in the world. And it’s why we will always demand that our government stand up for what’s right when the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies threaten Israelis.

 

But never again is also a statement that, like our survivors, we choose life and renewal. It’s why we feed and care for vulnerable survivors and others who are struggling in Toronto. It’s why we give to help heal the victims of October 7th. And it’s why we won’t stop building a community in which the laughter of Jewish children is our daily soundtrack.

 

Today and always, I am grateful to our survivors for teaching us this powerful lesson. And so much more.

 

Am Yisrael Chai,

 

 

Adam Minsky Signature

Adam Minsky
President & CEO

*Source: "The Jewish Way: Living the Holidays" by Rabbi Irving Greenberg (p. 339)