Rabbi's Week in Review Blog

At the time of this writing, I/we have no idea as to the outcome of what I see as the most important election — certainly the most important election in my lifetime. I do think, regardless of the outcome, that there will be a couple of truths to consider.

The problems that have plagued our country for many, many years prior to this election will still be our problems afterward. We at Congregation Kol Ami will need to do what we can to better our community and our world. That means centering our foundational Jewish values of justice and compassion to stay engaged in the needed work, and continue to be an important voice in seeking justice and compassion.

The other truth is that while needed healing of our tragically divided country will not magically come to be after the election (in the short term, I fear quite the contrary), we need to be cognizant of the need for healing. That does not mean we need to engage with every person who holds to anger, hate and grievance. It does mean seeking out those who could be partners in a process of healing that would lead toward an end to divisiveness.

Let this year of 5785 put us on a path toward healing, toward a more just world with compassion toward all and, as the phrase goes, with malice toward none.