Security is in the news today. Jewish institutions are beefing up their security in the wake of Pittsburgh. And several recent anti-Semitic street attacks in New York and elsewhere have made it clear that Jewish individuals, too, need to be more aware of the danger of becoming a victim of assault, whether the motive is hatred or robbery.

Anti-Semitism is nothing new, of course. It has existed since the Exodus from Egypt 3,331 years ago. But we, the Jewish people, have also celebrated the miracle of our survival throughout history as the cherished nation of am Yisrael, a survival that is the biggest proof of G-d’s love for us. We have shown a remarkable ability to confront the most impossible of challenges. Our past is riddled with wondrous feats of heroism: Dovid vs. Golias, the Maccabees vs. the Greeks, and Bar Kochva vs. the Romans. Today, too, we as a people stand strong.

As Jews living in America we cannot turn a blind eye towards the social and political changes happening within our very own communities. Recent polls show that over 60% of Americans favor legalizing marijuana, and 65% see marijuana as the least dangerous drug. Indeed, most Americans feel that it is safer than alcohol. With a medical marijuana dispensary set to open in Pikesville later this month, the question of marijuana – its use and legalization – is on our doorsteps. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to educate our community about marijuana, including its harmful and beneficial effects as well as how parents should approach the subject with their children.