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Friend, I wanted to share a pre-Shabbat reflection with you — the
last before Election Day.
Jewish tradition teaches us that every life is a universe and each
of us is valued equally. Like our allies, we believe that every person
deserves freedom, safety, and belonging.
But some politicians want to build a country just for themselves.
They try to tear us apart from our friends and neighbors through
division and fear, dehumanizing those who don’t look like them, and
working to make us afraid of each other.
We are not afraid. Our Jewish traditions and ancestors give
us chutzpah, the bravery and courage to stay true to our
values and dream of a new, more liberated future.
We believe that each of us can have safe communities, safe places
to gather to pray, control over our own bodies and families, and the
ability to move freely.
These are American issues and these are Jewish
issues.
This election, we’ve joined together with our neighbors as part of
the multiracial, multiethnic, multi-faith movement to defeat Trump and
MAGA politicians. We’ve worked to elect leaders who give us the
clearest path forward to building a country that is truly for all of
us.
In
the presidential race, I am inspired by stories from our community
members about why they are Jews for Kamala. Hundreds
wrote to us. Their answers were varied, and sometimes they didn’t
agree on specific issues. (Not surprising; disagreement is a proud
Jewish tradition!)
But our responders were aligned on a vision for the future. A
vision that will be more possible when we elect Kamala Harris; a
vision that will be much, much harder to achieve if Trump wins the
presidency.
Shabbat is a radical practice on a regular week. Tonight, before
Election Day 2024, it feels even more radical. No matter what is
happening, our tradition teaches us to set aside time for warmth,
community, and holy rest.
That’s chutzpah.
And we will carry that grounding with us into next week: No matter
what the outcome of the election, our Jewish movement for justice will
continue to organize in solidarity for a future with safety and
thriving for all of us.
That’s chutzpah.
Shabbat Shalom from all of us at Bend the Arc.
 Jamie Beran
CEO, Bend the
Arc
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