Shabbat Gathering: Black History Month.
Dear Chevrei, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:
Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799
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Here we go…
I’ll admit February almost got away from me before I realized I hadn’t written anything yet about Black History Month. Perhaps it’s because I feel a bit conflicted about the efforts America has taken to fully reach equality.
On a personal level, I don’t feel good about my work for / fight for equality. I need to do more.
On a synagogue level, I feel especially good about what we have accomplished. That’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement, but I am saying we have reason to be proud. We are the inclusive synagogue and the faces in the chairs and on the bima show that our efforts are being rewarded.
On a state-wide level, there’s a lot of work to do. I’ve lived in Arkansas, Missouri, Massachusetts, New York, and California and I have never lived anywhere that is as segregated as Wisconsin. Let that sink in, gentle reader, …Arkansas.
And, of course, America is an utter mess.
About my therapist.
During the couple of years I worked with my last therapist, Samantha Golden, she would have to remind me that I can only do what I can do and no more. I like to think I can do 110% because I’m an over achiever. (Welcome to my pathology.) And Samantha is right: We can do what we can do.
So, reasonably, we can be ok that we’re doing our part. And, perhaps, when we’re stronger, we will accomplish more. And, maybe, when we stare into the yawning maw of America’s terminal psychosis, we will be motivated to do a little bit more than that.
Anyway, what I really mean is, let’s observe Black History Month, to each their own.
And may it be for all of us a blessing.
See you tonight!
Gut Shabbes!
All my love,
brian.
PS
Andrew Silverstein
Chanie Kirschner
norman lebrecht
