The First African-American-Zimbabwean Rabbi

This past Friday I made history. Upon becoming a US citizen, I also became the first Zimbabwean born African-American Rabbi in Manhattan. The citizenship ceremony was attended by 128 people from fifty countries all over the world.

The event began with us all affirming our allegiance to the United States of America, after which followed an alphabetical role call of all countries in attendance that saw each person rise for his motherland and remain standing. First up was Albania. By the time the supervisor had reached the forty ninth country, every person in the room was on their feet, save for me. I finally rose when all the letters had been maxed out, leaving only Zimbabwe. A reporter from Fox News noticed this and was stunned when I confirmed that I indeed am a born and bred Zimbabwean!

After singing the national anthem, next up on the agenda was a message from the President. He concluded by stating, “Now that you are a citizen of the United States of America, nothing is impossible.” (The USCIS director graciously pointed out that that means we may even aspire to one day become a USCIS director ourselves.)

As I listened to Obama speaking, it struck me that his message had a direct connection to the Torah portion of the week.

In Parshat Shemini, the Torah relates the tragedy of the death of Aaron’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu. The pious brothers, overcome by their tremendous desire to cleave to G-d, offered incense as a sacrifice to G-d. Since such an act was prohibited, G-d sent down a fire which consumed them. After their deaths, Moses termed the two “kedoshim”- holy ones.

The question is obvious: if they had sinned so terribly so as to warrant an immediate death penalty, by which merit were they titled kedoshim?

Through this account, the Torah wishes to convey a message of deep import. Nadav and Avihu were sincere in their desire to approach G-d. Yes, the means to the end was slightly erred, but nevertheless they remained holy individuals, for their actions were triggered by a dream. It is crucial that each of us too nurture a similar dream, endeavouring to incorporate more spirituality and holiness in our lives. It is preferable to refrain from getting ourselves killed in the process, but a blazing will to infuse our lives with spirituality needs to constantly spur us.

Several days ago I met a member of our shul while running errands. We chatted, and I inquired as to how his business was faring. He replied that things could be better, but with all the plans he had in mind, like investing in real estate and expanding his horizons, he hoped to achieve greater success. When I then queried regarding how matters were on the spiritual side, he answered simply, “I’m happy with where I am.” “Fascinating, isn’t it,” I commented, “how your aspiration for physical success seems to be fuelled by a burning ambition, whereas you claim to be totally complete with your level of spiritual observance… don’t you think the two ought to be reversed?”

While Obama may view US citizenship as the key to many dreams, we Jews have always guarded our own key right in our pockets. It is up to us to retrieve that key, the Torah, and use it to unlock the door to a world of spiritual freedom and joy.

YES WE CAN!