Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Using pages 3–22 in Elie Wiesel's Night, give 10 pieces of textual evidence of Jewish optimism.

From your question, you're looking for examples of Jewish optimism. Here are some that may interest you.
The first example of Jewish optimism can be found on page 4. Elie tells us that his father tried to drive the idea of studying the Kabbalah from his mind. Despite his father's efforts, Elie remained optimistic. He sought out Moishe the Beadle in order to learn as much as he could about the Jewish mystic arts. Elie tells us that he and Moishe eventually spent hours trying to decipher Kabbalist revelations from the Zohar.
Before we continue, I would like to point out that Jewish optimism is more than just surface positivity. Instead, it is the conviction that all of us have control over our lives and that we do not have to let life's challenges limit our success. Thus, Jewish optimism is about overcoming opposition, stumbling blocks, and drawbacks. It is about pushing forward, even when success seems unattainable. In this vein, Elie's refusal to give up on his dream of studying Kabbalah constitutes Jewish optimism.
Another example of Jewish optimism centers on Moishe's return. After he miraculously survives being shot, he returns to Sighet. Despite the difficulties of the journey and his own suffering, he makes his way back. This in itself is Jewish optimism: the propensity to press forward despite the obstacles.
Upon his return, Moishe stands outside the synagogue and tries to tell everyone the truth about his experiences. And, despite being ignored and insulted, Moishe continues to warn his neighbors about what is coming. This is, of course, Jewish optimism at play. Moishe is more focused on saving others than himself.
A fourth example of Jewish optimism lies in how Elie's Jewish neighbors regard the war. They never doubt that the Russians will defeat the Germans, and they scoff at the idea that one man (Hitler) could exterminate millions of people. Even after hearing that the Fascists have overtaken Budapest, Elie's neighbors still refuse to worry about their fate. They optimistically reason that the Fascists will never encroach on territory outside Budapest. Within three days, however, German tanks make their way into Sighet.
A fifth example of Jewish optimism lies in how the Jews of Sighet respond to the billeting of German soldiers in Sighet. Because the soldiers are respectful and behave courteously, the Jews believe that legendary tales of German cruelty are false. They allow themselves to relax. On the seventh day of Passover, the Germans arrest every Jewish community leader.
A sixth example of Jewish optimism lies in Elie's father's response to new developments. The text tells us that the Germans eventually forbid Jews to travel anywhere after six o'clock in the evening. Additionally, all Jews are to wear a yellow star on their persons. Elie's father chooses to retain his optimism:

My father's view was that it was not all bleak, or perhaps he just did not want to discourage the others, to throw salt on their wounds: "The yellow star? So what? It's not lethal. . . ."

A seventh example of Jewish optimism centers on how the Jews respond when two ghettoes are set up in Sighet. Despite the barbed wire surrounding them, Elie's Jewish neighbors retain their optimistic attitude. They reason that the wire makes their enclosed surroundings a sort of Jewish republic. Most of them believe that life will continue as normal in the ghettoes until the Russians come to restore the old order of things.
An eighth example of Jewish optimism lies in how the Jews respond to the German order to transport everyone to the "factories." Despite their private fears, Elie's Jewish neighbors try to believe the best about the situation. The text tells us that Elie's father keeps checking with the Jewish Council, in case the "order had been rescinded. To the last moment, people clung to hope."
A ninth example of Jewish optimism lies in how Elie's family reacts as they await their turn to be transported out of the ghetto. Despite the loss of friends and neighbors, everyone remains hopeful. The text tells us that Maria, a former maid, begs Elie and his family to go with her to a safe shelter in her village. Elie's father refuses, and therefore, none of the family leaves with Maria.
Finally, in a most touching demonstration of Jewish optimism, Elie's neighbors try to downplay the enormity of the situation. They tell each other that their departure might be for their own good. They also remind each other that the war will conclude soon. Others joke that the Germans merely want to steal their valuables and that is why the Jews have to leave.
http://awonderingjew.com/2014/06/dont-worry-be-happy-jewish-views-on-optimism/

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