Turning Exhaustion Into Inspiration: A Rally and a Question

Exhausted, running on little sleep, and still giving a class. That’s how this speaker describes their day—flying from Milwaukee to Washington, D.C. and back in a single stretch, just to attend the rally to free the hostages. But what stands out isn’t just the physical toll—it’s how meaningful the moment was.

The rally wasn’t just an event; it became the perfect backdrop for a deeper discussion: Antisemitism—Why do they hate us so much?

It’s a question that’s haunted generations. But instead of falling into despair or self-pity, the speaker insists this discussion will be different. Not negative. Not defeatist. Not “us versus the world.” The goal is to bring out something enlightening. Something that fuels, rather than drains.

In Judaism, we’re taught not to live as victims. We’re taught to ask hard questions—and then use those questions to grow. That’s what this class aims to do: transform pain into purpose. It’s not just about identifying hate; it’s about understanding it, and then choosing to live proudly and positively in response.

Even in exhaustion—even in the face of injustice—there’s strength to be found in learning and community. And that strength, the speaker hopes, will be inspiring.

Because at the end of the day, asking “Why do they hate us?” isn’t about giving in to fear. It’s about reclaiming the conversation—and using it to build a stronger, more thoughtful Jewish future.