Standing in solidarity after massacre in Pittsburg

My sister and I decided to #ShowUpForShabbat tonight in solidarity with our Jewish friends and neighbors because we cannot stand by silently and let hateful violence take over this country that is supposed to be a beacon of hope and tolerance, a model for the world. This was very personal for us, and we found attending this Solidarity Shabbat service both beautifully moving and painful.

The rabbi tonight offered some words that I jotted down to share with you:

We have ceased to be ourselves.  Shall we sit shiva for America?  

We cannot stand idly by while our neighbor bleeds. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.

We demand an America that lives up to its promise...for all people.

Tonight we hold hands and proclaim our humanity. We shall not lose hope.

In spite of the rise in violence and frightening nationalistic rhetoric, I am not losing hope.  I am hopeful that on November 6 we will show those mistaken and misguided brethren in political power that unleashing prejudice, violence, and hate in this beautiful melting pot is NOT OKAY. That standing by silently for political expediency means you don't get to represent us anymore.  That some questions are simply deeply ethical and they must rise above politics or career advancement.

Elections aside, I also remain hopeful that the welcoming and tolerant sprit of every day America remains a strong current... In spite of the ugliness that is being shouted at us from on high. I know America is filled with love and before too long the sun will shine again.  But we must insist it be so. That means speaking out loudly against all forms of prejudice wherever we encounter it.

Ingrid (with Erika)