APRIL 27 • 2023 | 11 I’m Only Human I was inspired by “Which Side Are You On: Jewish American or American Jew,” in the March 30, 2023, issue (page 8). This identity-conundrum article took me back to my 20s. My husband, Marty, and I, now married 58 years, attended a seminar for young Jewish marrieds. We assem- bled in a smallish room in a Jewish organizational building with about 15 couples. The leader asked us to stand up and to each select one cor- ner of the room that most closely described our primary identity. He encouraged us to choose for ourselves and not go with our spouses unless the choice was ours as well. Then he designated the corners, pointing to each as he labeled them. The four iden- tities were: Jew, American, human, and woman or man. When everyone had crowded into one corner or the other, we all paused to acknowledge — and high- five — our corner-mates, then glanced around the room to assess the others’ choices. Approximately one-fourth of the group was in each corner. Most couples had separated. After some amusement, we were asked to retake our seats. The leader proceeded to quote the Talmud. I recall this para- phrased message: Above all, our primary responsibility is to be human; to identify with all other humans and to cel- ebrate or at least tolerate our differences. The ancient schol- ars implied that no religion, gender or nationality or race prevails over humanity, shared by the entire species, since- labeled Homo sapiens. The message affirmed my personal choice that night and has persisted with me all these decades, guiding my perspec- tives. My primary role and responsibility is as a human, all the rest compose a subset of that identity. — Sandra Rubin Tessler Bloomfield Hills letters desperately need to aspire to today — should give everyone pause. And today, we see a lack of respect for one another that is ominously reminiscent of the students of Rabbi Akiva. Sefirat ha-omer reminds us of the dangers in this transitional period leading up to the giving of the law — and what happens when we demonize our opponents and don’t engage with dignity in society. We must heed the warning signs of the period of sefirat ha-omer. Our “startup nation” needs a new Sinai moment to institute a healthy system of law, with checks and balances to moderate the dangers of unchecked passions and interests, which we can all endorse — our own na’aseh v’nishma moment. In the desert, it was the leadership who shepherded the people to Sinai. Today, the tables are turned, and we the people must demand this of our leaders. Rabbi Herzl Hefter is the founder and Rosh of Beit Midrash Har’el in memory of Belda Kaufman Lindenbaum, in Jerusalem. 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 What Is Your Plan?..... Call Us. We focus on Probate Litigation and Administration. Administering estates where everyone is on the same page. Protecting you from self-dealing parties appointed by will, trust or the court. Protecting you from family members who always want more. michprobate.com 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 The Probate Law Firm of The Probate Law Firm of 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 What Is michprobate.com 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 What Is Your Plan?..... Call Us. We focus on Probate Litigation and Administration. Administering estates where everyone is on the same page. Protecting you from self-dealing parties appointed by will, trust or the court. Protecting you from family members who always want more. michprobate.com 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 24725 West 12 Mile – Ste. 110 Southfield, MI 48034 1-248-945-1111 What Is Your Plan?..... Call Us. We focus on Probate Litigation and Administration. Administering estates where everyone is on the same page. Protecting you from self-dealing parties appointed by will, trust or the court. Protecting you from family members who always want more. michprobate.com Don’t have the time Don’t have the money Don’t know where to go to get it done. We are answering all the questions for you today. It’s fast, It’s free and It’s on our website. Make a FREE WILL at our website www.michprobate.com You know everyone keeps telling you to, get it done today.