I used to write about this week’s Torah portion in glowing terms, especially Moses’ short and alliterative prayer to heal his sister Miriam’s scaly affliction: “El na r’fah na lah,” God, pray heal her! From the Torah’s account it was quite effective, too. Would that all our prayers were as short and effective.

But after years of rising antisemitism in our time—following centuries of hatred of Jews in history—we would do anything, I believe, for a short, alliterative, and effective prayer that healed this affliction, too. Though Moses was singled out by name to be the greatest prophet who ever lived (Deut. 34), it was Moses himself who said, after Eldad and Medad played the part of inspired leaders in the face of those who were appointed to lead, “Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would Inspire them!” (Numbers 11:26–29).

Eldad and Medad felt unworthy. They held back because they weren’t appointed to be among the 70 elders who would prophesy with Moses. But, as we come to learn, God’s spirit found them nonetheless, and they prophesied. It was obvious to Moses, who reflected his understanding with humility. He didn’t oppose their prophecies; instead, he acknowledged their desire to use their faith to serve the people and hoped that others might, too. So what about us?

We cannot be prophets. The age of prophecy ended with Malachi in the 5th century BCE, just as the Israelites returned to Jerusalem under Persian rule. But we are not disabled from bearing up in these times. We still have a desire to use our faith, heritage, inspiration, and hope to serve our people. It would be a sin to deny ourselves these gifts and thus withhold hope from the small part of the world where we live. Worse yet would be to forbid other inspired Jews or Jewish allies from speaking truth to power, combatting hate and bigotry, and seeking peace where there is conflict.

Each of us is inspired with a strength. Some are writers. Letters to elected officials and fact-filled social media posts can broadcast important information to those who need it. Elected officials need truth to support their positions, and online users need untainted knowledge to cut through lies and deceptions. Some are advocates. Using networks and organizational heft can shift public opinion and identify places where truth can turn hate into understanding. Still, some are just learning how to find their voices. As The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, local synagogues, AJC, ADL, and other advocate organizations serve us, let’s ask how we can use our strengths to serve them.

This is not a time just for prayer. This is not a time to wait to be called. Like Eldad and Medad, there is a place for us to serve and make a difference. Would that all of us would take the initiative to use our God-given strengths to vote, advocate, speak up, and make real change in the name of truth and justice for all. And though the age of prophecy ended long ago, the age of prophetic social justice and peace continues. It continues in each of us.

L’Shalom,