Elon Musk is a public figure who has changed the world. He has pushed the boundaries of technology and innovation to enrich the lives of many people. But, who is the person behind this impressive man?
Elon Musk was born on June 28th 1971 in Pretoria, South Africa to Maye Musk and Errol Musk. Both parents’ identities seem to be closely guarded secrets, with little information shared publicly. Until recently, rumors swirled that Maye may have been Jewish, with some claiming she grew up in a Jewish household.
In 2019, Elon Musk released a statement to clarify his heritage, revealing that his mother was raised Presbyterian in South Africa. Subsequently, it was widely reported that Maye Musk is not Jewish.
The debate as to whether Elon Musk is Jewish appears to have been resolved, however, a deeper look into Elon’s heritage reveals an interesting relationship with his father. Errol Musk is of African, German, and Dutch descent. He is not Jewish, but identifies as an agnostic. Despite the difference in beliefs and upbringing, the two remain close. In 2017, Elon said that his father is his source of inspiration, despite the fact that they never really saw eye to eye on religion.
Clearly, Elon Musk is not technically Jewish, but he continues to honor strong values of philanthropy and tzedakah that are intrinsic to the Jewish faith. In 2018, he and his brother invested in a charitable organisation called Adat Yeshurun, helping to support educational programs in Jerusalem. In addition, he founded an annual event called the Yom HaAtzmaut Parade, held in Palo Alto, honoring the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
Although Elon Musk is not Jewish, it would be an understatement to say that he does not carry with him strong Jewish values. What he does carry strongly is a passion for the world, an unwavering drive for excellence, and a spirit for innovation – much in the same way a dedicated member of the Jewish faith may strive for.
Promotes Jewish Values
Elon Musk’s promotion of Jewish values is not unlikely to be a result of his upbringing in South Africa. Growing up, he was surrounded by both the anti-Semitism and anti-apartheid movements. According to Elon, he found great inspiration in observing those who stood against oppressive environments and regimes. This may have led him to embrace the Jewish values of social justice, human rights, and environmental responsibility to a greater degree, as a way of recognizing the people who dedicated so much of their own lives to make the world a better place.
Putting actions to words, Elon Musk has contributed vast sums of money to global causes, and has taken a number of public stands in defense of those in need. For example, in 2018 he donated 1 million dollars to the Flint Water Crisis in Michigan, and voiced his support for the people of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and their fight for clean water rights. His actions in business too are often inspired by a drive to create a cleaner environment and more sustainable future.
Undoubtedly, these displays demonstrate a sincere interest in upholding Jewish values, even though Elon Musk is not Jewish himself.
Spreading Jewish Values Through Business
Aside from making charitable donations, Elon Musk has integrated Jewish values into his business dealings. He has succeeded in breaking down barriers of traditional business practices, and has employed innovative practices to create a radically different playing field. For example, Tesla, one of the companies he founded, has adopted the concept of “Shared Ownership” whereby certain models of the car can be accessed by multiple people with a rolling monthly subscription. This is a far cry from the traditional method of purchasing a car outright and demonstrates a commitment to maximize the use of resources in a responsible way that is likely rooted in Elon’s Jewish values.
Not only has he embraced shared ownership, he has also used it to create a sound business model. People who cannot afford to buy Tesla cars from the original sale price can now access them more easily in a more sustainable manner, supporting Elon Musk in creating a circular economy of shared use. In effect, he has used the principles of Jewish tradition to make the most of people’s limited resources and to create a more just world.
Elon Musk’s commitment to share ownership, both in business and life, has made him a role model for many people. His enthusiasm for environmental responsibility, coupled with his eagerness to bring people into the Tesla family, make it clear that Jewish values sit at the core of this man’s life.
A Creative Take on Judaism
Although Elon Musk is not Jewish, he is indeed familiar with the Jewish teachings and, as demonstrated, upholds it in his own unique way. For Elon, Jewish values are as much about taking responsibility for the world we live in as they are about living ethically and experiencing life to its fullest potential.
Elon’s approach to life and business gives us a welcome reminder to lead our lives in ways that are mindful, respectful and conscious of our environment. It also inspires us to step out of the traditional box of thinking and to lead our lives with creativity and innovation to build a better tomorrow.
Philanthropic Influence
Elon Musk’s philanthropic activity has been nothing short of impressive. His commitment to tackle inequality and environmental degradation has been evident in his long pattern of charity donations and public stands. For example, he donated 1 million dollars to the city of Flint, Michigan to help with their water crisis in 2018, and has showed his support for the people of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in their fight for clean water rights.
Elon Musk has a big heart and it’s no surprise he’s cherished in the Jewish community and beyond. He has inspired people from all walks of life to contribute to making the world a better place, and demonstrated that giving back is the most important form of gratitude.
Conclusion
It’s clear that Elon Musk is not Jewish, but his commitment to and advocacy of strong Jewish values demonstrate the far-reaching impact of the ideals behind the faith. He has inspired countless people to take an active part in creating a better world, through his charitable donations, business practices and public stands. In a nutshell, what Elon Musk represents is an inspiring, creative take on traditional Jewish values and an unwavering willingness to tackle inequality, environmental degradation and injustice in any way possible.
