Zelensky, Ukrainian Jew: ‘Hineni’

Volodymyr Zelensky is essentially the Steve Martin of Ukraine. He won Ukraine’s version of Dancing with the Stars, he’s the voice of Paddington Bear in Ukrainian, and he does a hysterical comedic piano routine.

Zelensky starred in a TV show about a history teacher who ends up becoming president because he goes on a rant and becomes very popular.

Right now, many of his political opponents in Ukraine, after explaining that they often have disagreed with him, have noted how he is doing an amazing job leading the country. One could make the argument that apart from religious figures, he is the most popular Jewish person of all time and including them, might be second!

Billions of people admire the man. When this is all over, Volodymyr Zelensky will long be remembered and honored.

I often teach that among the things that the Jewish tradition reinforces is that one person can make all the difference. We see that time and again in our texts and in our history.

In the Torah, several of the most prominent figures, when called upon by G-d, respond, “Hineni!” — “Here I am!” When the attack on his country began, Zelensky posted a video of himself remaining in Kyiv to lead the resistance and began, “Listen, I am here,” “Hineni.” 

And it isn’t stretch to hear him responding to Hillel’s, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? When I am for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” with the words, “The fight is here [now]. I need ammunition, not a ride!”

He not only truly became the leader of his people, but an inspiration for the ages to come for people around the world.

David Jay Kaufman is spiritual leader at Temple-Congregation Shomer Emunim (Reform) in Sylvania, Ohio.