Jul 4th 2008, 00:00

When I was in Hebrew School, the teachers would always ask us if we considered ourselves a Jewish-American or an American Jew. Presumably, whichever adjective you put first showed which was more important or significant to your life. As I grew older and wiser, I realized that the adjective was far less important than the noun, and that which noun or adjective one used is not really that important because for most of us they are two sides of the same coin.
Ever since the first Jews arrived on the shores of North American in 1654, we have played a significant role in shaping American history. We have contributed to the fabric of this great nation far beyond our numbers and Jews have served in the armed forces ever since the War of Independence. The United States, in return, has been the greatest, freest, most liberating nation our people has ever lived in. Clearly because of our Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Jewish people and the Jewish religion have been able to grow and thrive, not just merely or barely survive as we did in so many other places.
In recent years and in particular recent months, the notion of patriotism has been featured prominently in the media. I have to say that I find the questioning of someone’s patriotism abhorrent. Whether or not one served in the military, the natures of one’s service in the military, whether or not one wears a flag pin on one’s lapel, etc, etc, etc, none of these have anything to do with one’s patriotism. Like one’s religion, patriotism is something that is felt most deeply inside, in your mind, heart, and soul. We all want what’s best for our nation and our world. I would like to think that we can debate what really is best without questioning anyone’s dedication and devotion to their country.
Today marks 232 years since Congress adopted the wording of the Declaration of Independence. It is not known if the actual document was really signed on this day as is commonly believed. Of course, that’s not important anymore because the date of July 4th is not just a day but a symbol like December 7th and September 11th. What really happened on that day is a debate for historians. For the rest of us, it is what has followed these past 232 years that we should focus on.
As Jews living in the United States, we have much to be proud of and much to be grateful for. I for one can say that, despite all our downfalls, problems, and mistakes, I am proud to be an American. I thank God every day that my great grandparents left Russia and Poland when they did and that they came here, to a land teeming with possibilities and opportunities. Clearly, we are not perfect. We make mistakes, and sadly, we even repeat mistakes. Our domestic and international policies have been and sometimes still are wrong. Our civil rights policies too far too long to mature to where they are and I don’t believe they are where they should be.
Still, despite all our problems, we are still the most free, most independent, and most prosperous nation on earth. And without question, the state of the Jewish people, the Jewish nation, and the Jewish religion would not be where they are today without the unique and interconnected history and destiny of Jews and America.
Tonight, we will have Family Shabbat services at 7:30 PM preceded by a potluck dinner at 6:30 PM. I invite you to come to temple in casual clothes as we will have our service in the Social Hall. You are welcome to stay for our festive oneg and fireworks from around the OC. Tomorrow, Torah Study and the Shabbat morning service as usual. Have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.