The symphony of global insanity

(JNS) — “And the Children of Israel were going out (of Egypt) triumphantly with an outstretched arm.”

Rashi interprets with an “outstretched hand” to mean “with proud and prominent valor.” Triumphantly, indeed. The Israelites left Egypt openly and proudly, with their heads held high.

I sometimes wonder: Whatever happened to that pride and strength that were characteristic of our people back then? Over the centuries of Jewish life in the Diasporas of the world, we seem to have lost that sense of pride. We keep punishing ourselves rather unmercifully.

Even comedians joke about it. The legendary...