It has been an eventful and consequential week, and I wanted to share a few thoughts, hopefully tying them together in a coherent way.
Tuesday’s Presidential and local elections have left some of our community members disappointed or worried, others excited or motivated, and many of us hoping that we soon find some starting point for common ground among the disparate political perspectives we encounter. Anyone (especially locally) who participated in the electoral process - as a candidate, campaign volunteer, or voter, maintains the unbroken legacy of this republic from its earliest days and through its most challenging times. For that we can all be thankful, together.
In Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu has asked Defense Minister Gallant to step down, citing irreconcilable policy differences on the conduct of the war (in the middle of the war). There are, no doubt, coalition considerations, centering around how legislation affects the ‘sharing the burden’ issue that has become even more pressing as more casualties are reported, and more reservists return for their third and fourth call-ups. This move, and Gallant’s replacement with Israel Katz, has raised questions about strategy and about policy around the aforementioned issue as well as the matter of the hostages still in Gaza. For their freedom, no matter what moves the Prime Minister makes, we can all be prayerful, together.
What could matter most to each of us is something I heard shared in synagogue last week, as the Rabbi urged registered voters to exercise their privilege. He also reminded them of the first words of a prayer many of us say every morning, which describes the responsibilities an individual has to be righteous, kind, and God-fearing. The short prayer begins with the words ‘Le’Olam Yehey Adam…’ which he translated in this context as ‘Always be (and act like) a human being’. You may have supported a candidate or perspective that was successful (or unsuccessful) in this election, he said. You still have a responsibility to wake up the next morning and be a mensch, rather than gloating, or lashing out. Always be a mensch.
It’s only through the cooperation and coming together of ‘menchen’ that we can collectively build, support, and secure the foundations of our community. We have collective responsibilites, we have collective aspirations, and we have collective challenges. Let’s continue to address them together.
Shabbat Shalom