Shevat 3, 5781 / January 15-16, 2021
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This Monday is Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day. Dr. King did not simply lead Black Americans to freedom –
he led the entire country to a new paradigm in which all Americans were to be truly
free and equal, through what can only be called a non-violent revolution.
The Civil Rights Movement was steeped in the language of
Tanakh – the Hebrew Bible that Christians call the Old Testament. From the
beginning, Black Americans identified with the Israelite slaves in Egypt. The
Book of Exodus, which we began reading just last week, was the lens through
which they saw their suffering. Through sermons, songs and more, they amplified
that connection.
Dr. King was not only committed to the principles of
non-violence taught by Mahatma Gandhi – he was also an astute observer of
American law, politics and traditions. He and his followers used the American democratic system itself to bring peaceful change to that
system. The movement could have advocated violence – after all, the United
States itself achieved freedom through a violent overthrow of British rule. Alternatively,
Black Americans could have left the US – going to Canada, for example, or at
least moving from the South to the North where, despite much discrimination,
they would have been able to vote and participate in the democratic
process. Instead, they chose to stay and achieve their goals through the
system.
We saw in our country last week a
complete rejection of those principles. Peaceful protest and the ballot box and
the justice system went by the wayside, and violence and mayhem were chosen
instead, by the same forces that opposed the Civil Rights Movement. Down that
road of insurrection lies the destruction of our society. If it is not rooted
out, it will become a plague as grievous as any visited upon Egypt.
We pray that that does not happen. As
we prepare to peacefully install a new administration on January 20, despite
the recent violence, we again offer this prayer:
A Prayer For Our Country
Our God and God of our ancestors, We ask Your
blessings for our country - for its government, for its leaders and advisors,
and for all who exercise just and rightful authority. Teach them insights of
Your Torah, that they may administer all affairs of state fairly, that peace
and security, happiness and prosperity, justice and freedom may forever abide
in our midst.
Creator of all living, bless all the inhabitants
of our country with Your spirit. May citizens of all races and creeds forge a
common bond in true harmony, to banish hatred and bigotry, and to safeguard the
ideals and free institutions that are the pride and glory of our country.
May this land, under Your Providence, be an
influence for good throughout the world, uniting all people in peace and freedom
- and helping them to fulfill the vision of Your prophet: "Nation shall
not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they experience war any
more." And let us say: Amen.
Siddur Sim Shalom –
The Rabbinical Assembly and The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
We shall overcome the violence and the hate - someday. May that day come soon.
Shabbat Shalom. A Peaceful Sabbath.
God Knows We Need One.
TBH/CBM
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND OTHER USEFUL INFO!
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