Hellenism = Assimilation and Intermarriage today

Today is the sixth day of Hanukkah. I live in the land of Maccabees, the holy temple- the Beit Hamikdosh... may we have it rebuilt in our days-now.

Hellenists were jews who decided to go along with the popular culture of the Greeks. They willingly gave up practice of Judaism and service of G-d. They embraced the popular culture and in doing so became enemies to those righteous Jews who continued to embrace the practice of mitzvot, torah and service of G-d. The subjugated the religious, caused them massive loss and sadness. Pikuach nefesh, guarding a life meant nothing to the Hellenists.

Today, we have a crisis in the world. Jews are intermarrying and assimilating in the numbers of 50%. Serious business. I know. Members of my family have intermarried. Their children are given Judaism lite. What guarantee do we have that any child will hold onto their religion? None- but far more so when two parents adhere to the tenets of the same faith. Judaism is a living and breathing religion. If mom or dad are not jewish, then why shouldn't they marry a non jew? The chances of having a jewish grandchild from an intermarriage are terribly small.
Do I love the members of my family who have married non- jews? Yes, very much- without a doubt. But I do not agree with the choices they have made. A person is not born a Jew by accident.

The culture of the other nations, and secular culture is far more free and open than Judaism. I know. This pull is terribly hard to avoid. Yet the nature of who a Jew is, cannot be denied. They will forever search for truth and be lead down many roads. Until they embrace the teachings and practices of the Torah- their souls will be restless.

I know. I have returned to the mitzvot. I am finally calm- but now there is so much work to do!

The world is changing. The truth is scary, but who does it serve to not speak? I am not a useful idiot. Truth can hurt. But who says we just have sit and allow things to spiral? Who says that the naked emperor is not wearing robes? Who says that we are sleeping through serious and dangerous times?

The Macabees were the truth sayers, the activists of their time. "Who ever is with Hashem- stand on this side!"

Who do you choose to be? Which side are you on?