Meeting Hate with Love

Newsletter May 5, 2025 Together, we're #keepingitsacred...

Today is Cinco de Mayo, a day that commemorates the courage and resilience of the Mexican people. While often misunderstood or commercialized in the U.S., this day marks a powerful moment of pride—the Mexican resistance and unexpected victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It invites us all to honor the strength of communities that have stood up against overwhelming odds.

This year, it feels especially meaningful as we also mark the beginning of Jewish American Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the many ways Jewish Americans have shaped, and continue to shape, the fabric of our nation. The threads of resilience, identity, and justice that run through both communities remind us just how interconnected our struggles—and our celebrations—really are. And for Jewish Mexicans, it’s a time to celebrate doubly! 

It would be wonderful to leave it there—but sadly, people are still being targeted for both identities, here and abroad.

Just a few days ago, I was walking with my 8-year-old son when we came across graffiti filled with violent, hateful language targeting Mexicans. I reported it immediately, but the deeper challenge was explaining that cruelty to my child.

I told him the truth: the same people who write such things about Mexicans today might target Jews tomorrow—or Asians, Black people, women, Muslims, LGBTQ+ individuals, or any combination thereof. Hate is indiscriminate in its targets, and it is contagious unless stopped. A few days later, I returned to check on the graffiti—and was relieved to see it had been removed. (Photo above.) Sadly, though, hate still manifests itself elsewhere. 

Last week, across the world in Ra’anana, Israel, another painful event took place. Beit Samueli, a Reform synagogue, was violently attacked by extremist Jewish protesters during an Israeli Memorial Day event focused on peace (Read more HERE). The gathering—organized by our friends at the Parents’ Circle and co-sponsored by our own community, Keeping It Sacred—brought Israelis and Palestinians together to honor all those senselessly killed in the conflict.

I know Beit Samueli Senior Rabbi Chen Ben Or Tsfoni through my service in the Women’s Rabbinic Network, and I deeply understand what a courageous and compassionate act it was to host this event. That’s part of why we chose to co-sponsor it. WATCH the full video of the memorial service HERE (and below).

Yet not everyone sees honoring all lives or seeking peace as a Jewish value. That night, those gathered in mourning and in hope were met with hatred: rocks were thrown, firecrackers launched, slurs shouted. Several people were assaulted.

This wasn’t just an attack on a synagogue. It was an attack on the very idea that compassion can cross boundaries. Members of Keeping It Sacred are organizing a card drive to send Rabbi Tsfoni and Beit Samueli words of support. Please email me at rabbimiller@keepingitsacred.com if you'd like instructions on where to send cards.

As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month and Cinco de Mayo, we affirm—across Jewish, Mexican, and Jewish Mexican communities—our pride in our heritages and our deep responsibility to live out their values. Our ancestors built labor movements, marched for civil rights, and forged interfaith alliances for justice. That legacy lives on in us—each time we speak up, show up, and reach out.

And at Keeping It Sacred, we believe that every day is Jewish Heritage Month. Every day is an opportunity to learn from our traditions, draw strength from our sacred texts, and take action to repair the world. You are always invited to join us as we celebrate the beauty and depth of Jewish wisdom, history, and hope in all its forms.

Let’s continue to teach our children—and remind ourselves—that standing up for what's right always matter. Even the smallest acts of resistance and love matter. Let’s stand together against hate, and stand always for the sacredness of every human being. This is how we’re keeping it sacred.

Together, we’re #keepingitsacred…

Rabbi Heather Miller

Founder, Keeping It Sacred

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The above is an excerpt from a Keeping It Sacred newsletter. If you want to read the entire newsletter or any from our archives, please head over to: keepingitsacred.com/news

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Thanks for your interest, and thanks for #keepingitsacred...