Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends:

A prominent Jewish communal leader yesterday described the United States as "an incredibly divided country." Sadly, this refers to our own community as well.

Most of the American Jewish community has voted for Democratic candidates once again, but a significant minority has voted for Republican candidates, from the presidential election to down-ballot candidates.

I have heard of members of the Jewish community in America rejecting each other -- as friends, neighbors, and fellow congregants -- for political differences of opinion. I have even heard from some within our EHNT community who have felt alienated because of political comments made in our classes and even at services. 

We join together to learn together and to worship together. I would like politics to happen in your personal exchanges, outside our programs and services. And I would like even more that we listen to each other with a goal of respect, not rejection.

Please, let us assume that we all -- as good Jews -- want the best results for the greatest number of people. Some believe path A will achieve that result; others support path B. Let us assume the best in each other. And let's not allow differences of opinion lead to wholesale rejections of our friends and neighbors, family members and congregants. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill