It’s shocking to see how prevalent nihilism is becoming across the Western world, but especially amongst the Left and Right. I’m so thankful that Judaism inoculates us from the insidiousness of nihilism.

Not sure where else to post this…

Nihilism rejects fundamental aspects of human existence, such as knowledge, morality, or meaning and is associated with extreme pessimism and radical skepticism.

I’ve noticed nihilism creeping into many facets of life and into vast numbers of Western societies. The LA fires have been the most recent example where many in the Left and Right have given in to pessimism and skepticism, abandoning knowledge, meaning, and morality.

I lived in LA many years ago and, while I was poor and lived in a shitty area, I loved LA and didn’t begrudge those living in the palisades or other fancy areas. I mourn for all the life that has been ruined or extinguished by these fires. And yet many are celebrating.

As an Israeli in America, I’ve noticed this for a long time but the nihilism seems to be exploding now. The masses are so lacking in community and tools for how to think about the world in addition to lacking a narrative of unity. This has made vast portions of society susceptible to nihilism. I am lucky because I have “the Jewish mind” and the visceral, spiritual connection to all other Jews that keeps me grounded.

It’s horrifying that we live in a world where so many people want to see everything burn, metaphorically and physically, and are now so open about it.

In many ways, it feels like this epoch is in diametric opposition to Jewish values. Whereas we embrace life, growth, healing, and community, so many right now do not. Now, more than ever, I feel we must be beacons of light, modeling Jewish values for the world to see, lest they forget what a world without nihilism is.