The words, diversity, equity, and inclusion, better known as DEI, have become a proverbial four-letter word. I know that it doesn’t have four letters, but it might as well. We’ve spent a lot of time and energy defending these letters and what they represent. Though some argue effectively that DEI can contribute to antisemitism, the current administration has dropped a bomb on these letters and the people they represent. In too many incidents, the damage has been destructive and life-threatening. Unfortunately, any opposition to the damage has been equally weak in its effects.

DEI are three meaningful letters that express deep and long-held Jewish values. But it isn’t enough to quote Genesis to say that we’re all created in God’s image. Too many people have responded with little regard for this text even though they might be religious. They seem to honor only God’s creations that look like them and pray like them. Judaism honors all God’s creations and leaves judgment about them to their Creator. Our role is to honor all of God’s creations because it brings honor to God.

Since some are offended and execute orders against “DEI”, let’s stop using these letters and words, altogether. They’re just letters and they’re just words. To be clear, to cease and desist doesn’t mean that it changes our outlook or our commitment to the broader and deeper issue of honoring humanity in all its forms. But we’ve been going about it all wrong. Our sacred obligation is found in who we are as Jews. For us, the Hebrew language is a Jewish value, which no one can legislate away or deprive us from using. So, what three Hebrew words would better serve our commitment to humanity?

Let’s use Love, in Hebrew, “אהבה”, Ahavah. In Torah, we’re commanded twice to love. First, in Leviticus we’re commanded, “Love your neighbor as yourself, says the Eternal One” (19:18). Second, in Deuteronomy we’re commanded, “You shall love the Lord, Your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might” (6:5ff). We’re not commanded to love our parents; only to honor them. We’re not commanded to love our children; only to teach them well. But when we love all human beings, we honor God. When we love God, we can’t but love another human being. It leads us to see the humanity that every person possesses as a gift from their Creator.

Let’s use Faith, in Hebrew, “אמונה”, Emunah. Emunah is the same word that follows a prayer. When we say “Amen,” we’re saying, “I believe,” or “I agree.” Sometimes translated “belief,” faith is trust in humankind as God created it to be and to do. But faith in God’s creative work isn’t like admiring only our favorite items in the grocery aisle or on Amazon. All of God’s creative work has a purpose, a sacred spark, and a reason for being. It isn’t always clear to us, which is what makes it sacred and not ordinary. Anything you or I create can be awesome, but it isn’t sacred like God’s creative work. Faith in what God created brings us closer to each other, because when we have faith, we acknowledge the Divine spark in others, too.

As for the third or even the fourth word, I haven’t reached a conclusion, yet. Some words come to my mind, like rachamim, compassion; kavod, honor; menschlekheit, human goodness; or chesed, lovingkindness. But I prefer to invite you into conversation at your Shabbat table, over lunch with your lunch group, at your poker or mahjong games, or between us when we’re together. What Jewish value expressed in a Hebrew word would you recommend?

They will be words that we can use and defend, because they emanate from Torah. DEI is nice, but REACH (Rachamim, Emunah, Ahavah, and Chesed) is already better. So, nu? What Jewish values reflected in Hebrew words are you ready to use at home, in business, and between us and our neighbors? As we’ve learned, the words of our mouths, the meditations of our hearts, and the work of our hands should be acceptable to the Eternal One, our Rock and our Redeemer. Agreed? Amen.

L’Shalom,