Volunteering and Showing Solidarity in a War Zone
On the premiere episode of The Lear Report, Steve Lear reflects on his service and solidarity mission to wartime Israel. As a community activist both at home and abroad, Steve shares his incredible experiences with his good friend and podcasting partner, Stan Hustad.
Tune in to hear:
- How his group aided the war effort
- What he witnessed on the edge of Gaza
- His inspiring encounter with the Phoenix Unit
- His message to leaders
Join Steve and Stan to discover how hope survives in the middle of a war zone. Invest in yourself. Listen to The Lear Report
PODCAST POSTSCRIPT: MISSION TRIP TO ISRAEL
By Steve Lear
Returning from Tikvatenu, the Minneapolis Jewish Federation (MJF) mission of February 2024, which aimed at fostering cultural exchange and understanding between the Jewish communities in Minnesota and Israel, was challenging. I was sad, depressed, and numb—not because of MJF’s magnificent planning and pivoting but because our brothers and sisters in Israel were sad, depressed, and numb. However, Israelis were happy to see us and demonstrated resilience and thoughtfulness. A moment that showed this was when we were looking at Gaza from Sderot, and our guide informed us that we lost this battle—not the war—but we did lose this battle.
Upon my return, I planned to go to Palm Springs for a month, and it was questionable if I would be in the right frame of mind. I determined I would be ok to go after mysteriously opening Rabbi Joseph Telushkin’s The Book of Jewish Values to page 95. The question: Is it fair to relish the pleasures of this world while others endure suffering? The answer: Break free from this notion, for the world, akin to a resilient door, is filled with hardships. Remember the timeless truth, ‘For there will never cease to be needy people in the land.’ (Deuteronomy 15:11) Even if suffering from poverty is eliminated, the pain caused by illness and human cruelty will persist.
At its core, Judaism encourages the pursuit of joy, provided it aligns with moral principles and generosity. It offers a guiding compass within the pages of Jewish law, urging us to open our hands to those in need. As we navigate life’s journey, we are encouraged to do so with a generous spirit. Joy is not the enemy but a companion on the path of righteousness. Experience the liberating embrace of giving, as Judaism wisely designates a percentage of income, 10 to 20%, to charity. This act of giving should not burden us with guilt; rather, it should bring a sense of fulfillment, knowing we’ve fulfilled our duty. Moderation becomes the key, as Judaism recognizes the goodness in pursuing pleasure.
I am so proud to be a Minnesota Jew.
