As election fever sweeps through the nation, I dread that time when conversations are dominated by politics and their views. Our political views reflect such deeply held convictions that in many cases they inevitably lead to distrust and broken friendships.
In the Torah Portion this week, Abraham, the first Jew, is promised by G-d about his children, the Jewish Nation: 'Look toward the Heaven and count the stars- if you can count them! That is how your descendants will be'.
If G-d wanted to tell Abraham that he would have many Jewish descendants, he could have said so simple and straightforward! Our sages teach that no metaphor in Torah is by chance, each one carries depth to be discovered.
When you look up at the stars at night, they look pretty. But try looking at the night sky in a remote animal reserve in Africa and the beauty is beyond description! The same stars, just invisible to us civilized city dwellers. As I reflected upon this striking difference on my recent trip to South Africa, I realized the meaning of this verse: 'This is how your descendants will be'- Each Jew is a brilliant shining star. Democrat or Republican regardless, A Jew is a dazzling diamond.
If you can't see it, its only because your vision is clouded.
Step out into the pure night sky, far from the city lights and social norms and you will be dazzled by the beauty that lies within the Jew you never knew!