One year ago, on January 6th, 2021, the world watched in horror as violent protestors responded to a desperate and despicable call that broached both physical and ethical boundaries in our nation’s capital. What we witnessed on that fateful day was an act of desecration and chaos unmatched in American History. The cries of pain, fear, ignorance and terror that echoed through those hallowed halls still reverberate in our national consciousness. Today marks a sacred day of soul searching. Will we allow this anniversary to pass without acknowledging just how close we came destroying the basic foundations of our national values? The descent into mob violence and blind obedience to falsehood and manipulation provided a stark example of what History has taught us, again and again: that freedom, human dignity and truth are fragile and easily discarded in the face of ignorance, prejudice and manipulation.
As we remember the tragedy of that fateful day, let us strive to honor the basic principles that have guided our nation over the past 246 years of independence. We know that our Country is not perfect. The ugly truths that for too long have been swept under the rug of the myth of American Exceptionalism call on us to see cracks in our system of governance and the imbalances of our history and work to correct them. And yet, our nation’s founders created checks and balances designed to prevent the perversion of justice in the pursuit of power. This begins with a renewed effort to confront propaganda, misinformation and demagoguery wherever and whenever it raises its ugly head. It also challenges us to follow the Biblical Adage: Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof – Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue.” (Deuteronomy 16:20).
As Jews, we bear the burden of our own history. We know, all too well, the impact of authoritarianism and political turmoil. Those responsible for the tragedy of January 6th, 2021 must be brought to justice. At the same time, however, we also must strive to find ways to bridge the political divides that are destroying the fabric of Democracy and common decency in our nation. Healthy debate and disagreement lie in the cornerstone of our national consciousness.
Our sacred task is to try to see the holiness in all of God’s creation – even when we disagree. The lessons of this fateful anniversary call on us to look at those with whom we disagree with compassion, understanding and courage. This does not mean that we must abandon our values, but it does mean that, before we allow the divisiveness that is plaguing our political and social discourse to overtake us, we must strive to find common ground and the pursuit of justice.
We pray for the promise of Shalom.
Thank you, Rabbi Black, for this powerful reminder to find common ground, strive for consensus building and most importantly to remember to see the holiness in each person we meet. Embracing our shared humanity with humility, kindness and respect in times of division is so important. I LOVE Deuteronomy 16: 20, such an important lesson especially in times of division and strife. Your writing, your teaching is a powerful reminder that brings hope for changing our world for the better for all every single day. Shabbat Shalom! Pam
ReplyDelete