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Dear JCOGS family,

As the world waits with bated breath to find out who will be the next President of the United States, we are grateful that our democracy stands strong as people came out to vote en masse. Amidst the beauty of democracy in action, what emerges is a picture of a country as much divided as united. We would do well to use this uncertain time “between” wisely. Regardless of outcome, now is a time to consider how, in the aftermath, will we face each other? How do we reconcile a polarized people?

In a different context, Rabba Tamar El-Ad Appelbaum, the founding rabbi and spiritual leader of Kehillat Zion in Jerusalem, wrote A Prayer for Brotherhood, Unity and Friendship. You can read it in its entirety here. In her prayer, she writes of reconciliation and peace: 
 

     “Grant me the grace ever to work towards reconciliation and to grant

     others the benefit of the doubt,
     Even when those others are causing me personal pain by disagreeing

     with me so intensely.
     You, G-d, Who is good and Who does good, ever grant that I view others

     generously and kindly,
     And watch over me lest I succumb to the unwarranted hatred of others.”

May we turn towards each other with grace in the days ahead, free from hatred, full of generosity and kindness.

Join us tonight at 6pm on Zoom (registration required) or FaceBook Livefor some additional prayers for the election and for Shabbat, as we gather virtually in community.

Shabbat Shalom, may it be a peaceful Shabbat for you and your family, for this country, for the world.

Tihiyu bri’im, stay safe, be well,

Rabbi David