I was once pleased to see a man, dressed in Chassidic garb be exceedingly kind and patient during an unfortunate mixup on a plane.   Since several dozen people were curiously watching this highly visible Jew,   I was proud and relieved to see him gain respect and honor for himself and for our people.   Many other people would have become abusive and obnoxious under the same circumstances. They would, however, only been seen by the other passengers as loud and difficult individuals, not as loud and difficult Jews.

Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to learn a lesson  taught me some years ago by a very wise world traveler. It is that Jews carry an extra burden in that, when they act inappropriately, their actions may be interpreted as being characteristic of all Jews. Conversely, when they act well, it reflects positively on all Jews. We are often thrust into the position of representing all the Jewish people, whether we like it or not. This reality can be viewed as a burden or as an opportunity.

I believe that many Jews lack perspective on our role in the world today. We don’t realize how much impact we can have on peoples’ opinions.   We are a tiny group, an infinitesimal percentage of the earth’s population. Most of the world doesn’t know what a Jew is and, if they have an inkling, it’s from second hand sources, not first hand experience.   We tell ourselves that others have a basic comfort level, understanding and acceptance of Jewish presence and world view. After all, in today’s world, at least in the United States, don’t all Americans know us? No. I meet educated people every day here and in my travels who tell me that they are not aware of ever having met a Jewish person before. This is even more the case abroad.

Those of us who are not visibly Jewish have the luxury of choice. When something good happens, see if you can make it known that you are a kind Jewish person. Do it subtly and creatively. For example, when wished a merry Christmas maybe you can say, “Thank you and same to you, but actually I celebrate Chanukah.” We also have to remember that negative actions can have ramifications, too. If you should do something less than commendable, try to keep your religious identification to yourself. We Jews don’t need more reinforcement of negative images. Among people who already know you are Jewish, you need to be on special behavior with the ever present realization that what you do may very well be generalized to other Jews, who are undeserving of criticism. Perhaps this realization improves our conduct. Or at least it should.

There is a marvelous mitzvah project going on in the community right now. I was told that only the “honchos” know that it is being done by a Jewish organization. The beneficiaries don’t know that Jewish people are the ones helping them. I ask why not? Why couldn’t each volunteer wear a name badge with the name of the organization? And, if someone should ask, why couldn’t they explain just what their organization is? Many of us do good deeds regularly, but neglect to let the receivers learn an essential detail about us. We work as “undercover Jews.” This simple information delivered in a positive manner could permanently shape attitudes among people who have never before met a Jew. This is an appropriate time to be emissaries for our people in an constructive way and we should take advantage of such opportunities.

I’d like to ask you a big favor. Blow your cover. When you do a good thing, if it’s at all possible, subtly let people know that that you are Jewish.   This helps mold the receiver’s attitude favorably towards all of us. We must use our kindnesses and positive actions to counteract the abundant negative images of Jews that exist out there. A single action of yours could benefit Jews everywhere. Make this a personal activism. If you are too uncomfortable about your Judaism to admit it publicly, it’s time for some serious introspection. Ask yourself why. Work through it! You’ll be the better for it. We all will.

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