Friends,

Here we are, the day after Election Day. First off, as many wise people are doing, I want to encourage us each to breathe. We have said all along that this moment could very well be filled with uncertainty, and we were right. As we are being reminded by people with expertise in electoral politics, what is happening right now is a sign that the system is working. Every vote must be counted, and the final tally is never complete on Election Day. So in an election this close, a waiting period is expected and appropriate.

Every vote must count because every vote — every voice — is sacred. As we named clearly in describing this year’s theme, the call of Nishmat Kol Ḥai: The Breath of Every Life is “to awaken to the preciousness of each breath and each soul.” That commitment is at the heart of our vision for the world we are co-creating. In this moment, certain leaders are scrambling to silence some voices, just as voices are suppressed in every election. That is the status of voting rights in our nation, and it is by virtue of the tireless work of so many organizers and activists that this many people have had their votes cast and counted. That work is continuing as I write, and it is a part of the larger fight for rights and dignity and safety for all those among us who are targeted. This is the larger fight in which we are invested, and we knew that no matter happened in these elections, we would be continuing that fight today. And so we are.

As we have been sharing, there are many modalities through which this effort to uphold the democratic process will be fueled. The nonviolent mass mobilization happening today — Electoral Justice is Racial Justice — is on, beginning at Revolution Hall at 3pm, as we gather to make clear our commitment that every vote be counted. I want to share an important note about this event, though: While the original information that went out from local organizers characterized it as “family-friendly,” we need to be honest about the fact that in this climate none of us can be sure what might unfold. Those in leadership are absolutely committed to nonviolence and have worked diligently and thoughtfully to establish safety protocols. That being said, I ask and urge anyone planning to be out there to be with a buddy and follow every measure to ensure your safety.

Aside from the in-person mobilization today, I also want to share about a virtual rally organized by Bend the Arc and Faith in Public Life, a coalition with which we are connected through IMIrJ. Some inspiring leaders will offer strengthening and uplifting words, beginning at 4pm today. Details can be found here. IMIrJ is hosting a watch party for the event, and you can get those details by emailing info@imirj.org.

Lastly, please join us tomorrow evening, Thursday, November 5 at 7pm for a time to mutually support and connect with one another, in whatever context we find ourselves at that point. We will meet in Room Alef.

Friends, let’s take care of ourselves and of one another, today and as we move through this threshold time. May our spirits be lifted and our hearts and minds directed by the fierce and loving efforts of all those working for a just world.

L’shalom,
Rabbi Benjamin