In Response to Last Week's Article

Earlier this week I received an email from a rabbi that I know who did not agree with the premise of my article, “Our Jewish Identity Originated From Egypt,” that was posted last week. That was wonderful. I welcome discourse of my ideas.

However, it was his postscript that I was troubled about. Not only in its tone, but mostly that his statement was, to put it lightly, ill informed.

My reaction was severe, and being aware of that, I needed time to absorb how to respond. After a day of reflection, I approached my wife Denise with his letter. Her initial reaction was the similar to mine, but we gave ourselves a few days to figure out an appropriate response.

Denise asked me last night if she could write a letter to the rabbi. She has been thinking what to write for days and she was now ready. Knowing that my wife is a very principled soul, gentle, yet firm, in her messaging, I knew she would not disappoint. I know you won’t either:

Dear Rabbi…,

I hope this note finds you and your family well.

I am writing with a heavy heart, though I always strive to give people the benefit of the doubt and approach these moments with a spirit of understanding.

Saul recently referenced my work in his Pesach article. I strive to "rebuild the bridge" between the Black and Jewish communities. In your email to him, you provided the following postscript:

"It would be nice if the leaders in the black community that today support BDS, etc., would remember how we stood by their side during the civil rights fight..."

I must admit I found this remark disheartening. The generalization that Black leaders broadly support BDS is inaccurate—many do not. In fact, in Broward county, most do not. Many have traveled to Israel within the past few years (courtesy of AIPAC, the Israeli Consul and other grants) and have gained a deep understanding of the country.

Similarly, while there were courageous Jewish individuals who stood with the Black community during the civil rights movement, it is also true that most Jews did not actively support that cause at the time—and some actively opposed it.

These kinds of broad statements can unintentionally reinforce division, rather than build the bridges we all hope to see. As someone who is both Black and Jewish, with deep roots and love for both communities, I have devoted myself to fostering understanding between them and addressing the misunderstandings that too often create distance.

I am not sure if your comment was meant to speak to me directly, but I felt it important to share how it landed in our household. I believe deeply in the possibility of honest and respectful dialogue, and hope that you do as well.

Chag Pesach Sameach.

Respectfully,

Denise Lettau

a/k/a Saul Chapnick's wife

For those who have not read last week’s post, the link is below. In the meantime, Denise and I wish everyone A Zissen Pesach and a meaningful Seder.

-Saul