“One good deed is worth a thousand sighs” – Chasidic Saying
To those who supported Trump, congratulations. You can stop reading now. The rest of this email is not for you :)
However, for those completely devastated by the election results. For those who are depressed, unable to move on, fearful that we have entered a very dark chapter in our history, consider the following.
This week we read the Torah portion of Lech-Lecha, in which we are introduced to Abraham.
Abraham lived during very dark times. The “President” at the time was a fellow named Nimrod.
If you think Trump is bad, you’ve never met Nimrod.
He was about as depraved as one can be. “Might makes right” was his entire Weltanschauung.
Yet, Abraham didn’t mope, he didn’t walk around depressed, announcing that the world is coming to end.
Instead, he stood up and took action. He taught, inspired and led by example. He spread his values of morality, charity, equality, compassion and kindness.
Abraham didn’t yell at the darkness, he lit a candle. The darkness actually motivated him. He saw it as a call to action.
If you feel the situation is dire, then it is selfish to sit around and mope. Get up and do something. This is your call to action.
Jews are galvanized by darkness, not terrified by it.
Like Abraham your ancestor, share your values. Not your politics, but rather your values. Your politics will convince no-one, your values will inspire everyone.
What is at the core of your politics? What values drive your vote? Equality? Respect for every human being? Freedom? Tolerance? A responsibility to help the underprivileged?
Whatever it may be, share those values. Teach, inspire, and most importantly, lead by example. Treat everyone you encounter with full respect, including complete strangers, your next-door neighbor who irks you, and yes, even the Trump supporter. Go out of your way to help the underprivileged, not only the homeless or minorities, but also the guy at work who may be lower on the totem pole.
Don’t yell at the darkness light a candle.
Abraham lit a candle and changed the world forever . You can do the same.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Benjy Silverman
P.S. The following videos and articles may help put things in perspective, although I do not personally vouch for any of them.
- A 30 minute in depth approach - https://www.youtube.com/watch?
- A quick somewhat humorous approach -https://www.facebook.com/
- A
short articlethat someone sent me
Lorraine Ross wrote...