Sadness is an understatement. Fear of what is still to come. Daring to look at the devastation, damage, desperation, and trauma. Confusion and conflict about the ways the ground has shifted in this context and where there is so much division in attempts for peace.
All of these could be said about those of us who have been working toward a ceasefire for almost five full months. And all of that could also describe the Israelites post-Mitzrayim. In this week’s parasha, Ki Tisa, the Israelites are potentially scared, anxious, traumatized, desperate, and divided. And many organize upon/against/over their leadership. Moshe is absent and Aaron is not delivering to their needs. There could be many potential ways to deal with the absence of leadership, and the Torah gives us a few examples during the journey from enslavement, including this week’s story of building the Golden Calf.
There are ways, chas v’shalom, we might engage in idol worship – an act that could be described as going against our traditions, values, and ancestors. But there are ways to send messages to leaders that encourage them to do their job as representatives of the people that stay aligned.
We see the example this week of the Michigan Democratic Primary Election. The “Uncommitted Delegates” campaign there was supported by members of T’chiyah, Detroit’s Reconstructionist synagogue and fellow member of Synagogues Rising, including their rabbi R’ Alana Alpert and their former synagogue president (and former congressperson) Andy Levin.
Washington State primary ballots are now out and there is a statewide campaign for WA voters to vote “uncommitted delegates” in the Democratic Primary election. I will be voting that way this week and encourage you to consider doing the same. Kadima cannot endorse a political candidate’s campaign and will not, but I can individually and I am.
Vote by March 12 and vote for whom you feel is right. I recently saw a meme that said “Never trust a religious leader who tells you how to vote or a politician who tells you how to pray.” So I won’t tell you how to vote, but I will tell you how I am voting. Uncommitted. And let me be clear: I will be working to ensure that the Republican nominee does not come near the White House this fall. And, this is a moment to express my disappointment with a current leader who has ignored the call for ceasefire. And I am taking it. Consider joining me, UFCW 3000, and thousands of others throughout Washington before March 12.
May all who feel ignored or left by their leaders – like the Israelites in this week’s parasha – find constructive ways to re-engage their leaders without idol worship: aligned with their ancestors, obligations, tradition, and responsibilities.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
PS– Washington 46th Legislative District Residents! Ceasefire Vote! As you may know, the 46th Leg District Democrats had a ceasefire resolution up for a vote in this week's meeting. It was ultimately tabled after a good deal of opposition. They will meet again in late March to vote and are recruiting members for the sake of voting on a new resolution at that meeting. If you live in the 46th or know someone who does, please spread the word to join now in order to vote on this ceasefire resolution in March.
All of these could be said about those of us who have been working toward a ceasefire for almost five full months. And all of that could also describe the Israelites post-Mitzrayim. In this week’s parasha, Ki Tisa, the Israelites are potentially scared, anxious, traumatized, desperate, and divided. And many organize upon/against/over their leadership. Moshe is absent and Aaron is not delivering to their needs. There could be many potential ways to deal with the absence of leadership, and the Torah gives us a few examples during the journey from enslavement, including this week’s story of building the Golden Calf.
There are ways, chas v’shalom, we might engage in idol worship – an act that could be described as going against our traditions, values, and ancestors. But there are ways to send messages to leaders that encourage them to do their job as representatives of the people that stay aligned.
We see the example this week of the Michigan Democratic Primary Election. The “Uncommitted Delegates” campaign there was supported by members of T’chiyah, Detroit’s Reconstructionist synagogue and fellow member of Synagogues Rising, including their rabbi R’ Alana Alpert and their former synagogue president (and former congressperson) Andy Levin.
Washington State primary ballots are now out and there is a statewide campaign for WA voters to vote “uncommitted delegates” in the Democratic Primary election. I will be voting that way this week and encourage you to consider doing the same. Kadima cannot endorse a political candidate’s campaign and will not, but I can individually and I am.
Vote by March 12 and vote for whom you feel is right. I recently saw a meme that said “Never trust a religious leader who tells you how to vote or a politician who tells you how to pray.” So I won’t tell you how to vote, but I will tell you how I am voting. Uncommitted. And let me be clear: I will be working to ensure that the Republican nominee does not come near the White House this fall. And, this is a moment to express my disappointment with a current leader who has ignored the call for ceasefire. And I am taking it. Consider joining me, UFCW 3000, and thousands of others throughout Washington before March 12.
May all who feel ignored or left by their leaders – like the Israelites in this week’s parasha – find constructive ways to re-engage their leaders without idol worship: aligned with their ancestors, obligations, tradition, and responsibilities.
Shabbat shalom,
R’ David
PS– Washington 46th Legislative District Residents! Ceasefire Vote! As you may know, the 46th Leg District Democrats had a ceasefire resolution up for a vote in this week's meeting. It was ultimately tabled after a good deal of opposition. They will meet again in late March to vote and are recruiting members for the sake of voting on a new resolution at that meeting. If you live in the 46th or know someone who does, please spread the word to join now in order to vote on this ceasefire resolution in March.
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