In his first Shabbat sermon after an election that left many American Jews reeling, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch offered words of consolation and action.
“I
have not witnessed this widespread and communal sense of loss, anxiety,
fear, and profound sadness since 9/11,” Rabbi Hirsch said to the
hundreds of people who had gathered together for services. “Since
Wednesday, in various random get-togethers, people speak in hushed tones
almost as if they are at shiva.”
Rabbi Hirsch urged
listeners not to retreat from the political process. “Get more
involved,” he said. “Be more active. It is the antidote to emotional
distress and political loss.”
“It is more important now than ever
to teach our children to be loving, compassionate, caring, gentle, and
kind, even if these traits are not always exhibited by our political
leaders.”
“There is something ennobling, inspiring and immensely
patriotic in opposing majority will if the majority is wrong. It
bespeaks a deep-seated belief in democracy.”
Stephen Wise Free
Synagogue has served as a catalyst for social action for more than 100
years. A champion for social justice, civil rights, and the Jewish
people, the synagogue’s founder, Stephen Wise (1874–1949), was one of
the most prominent Jewish leaders of the 20th century. Stephen Wise Free
Synagogue was the first synagogue to open a shelter for the homeless
and was the first synagogue in the United States to install a female
rabbi.
