I am struggling with fear I feel for all minorities and those with multiple minorities. In my own family are people of color, LGBTQ, immigrants, disabled, Jews – and that’s just reflecting on those closest to me. But hours have passed and we must fight on. The Jewish social justice organization, Bend the Arc, said, in their newsletter:
Because for millennia, our Jewish ancestors have lived under governments that ranged from friendly to hostile; from welcoming to brutal. They not only learned how to survive, but developed the tools to thrive and experience the joys of life under any circumstance.
May we learn from our ancestors and contribute these lessons to our broader movements, knowing that collectively we have the wisdom and resilience to face the struggles ahead.
Many synagogues are holding in-person as well as online gatherings tonight to help us get through the week – check your emails or their websites.
I thank JewishLearning Works for the following two lists:
Resources for conversations:
Election Day Torah from Hadar
The Five Habits of the Heart that Help Make Democracy Possible from the Center for Courage and Renewal
Online gathering to process the election with the community by Bend the Arc and Kirva
Teaching resources for U.S. elections by Facing History
Resources for self-care:
Guide to coping with election anxiety from Vox
Art-making prompts for heart-breaking times from the Jewish Studio Project
Recommendations for boundaries, social media, connection and community, generating hope and more from the Blue Dove Foundation
None of us is alone. We are together and we will take care of each other.