This Election: New Meaning / Old History

by Rabbi Arthur Waskow

Dear companions,

The newly transformed election has its roots — danger and possibility — deep in US history. From 1776 to 1960, the US was governed by white heterosexual male Christians. Others were second- or fifth- or tenth-class residents, despite the mostly hopeful words of the Declaration of Independence and despite the struggles for equality by “outsiders,” always defeated.

There was little to be argued — America acted like a white, heterosexual, male, Christian country. Just (unjust) reality.

Then came a break-through period from about 1960 to 1980 in which Blacks, brown-skinned Spanish-speakers, women, people of gay and queer orientatons and genders, Jews, and Muslims, all inspired by the Black-led movements for a full democracy and for justice overseas as well, struggled for legitimate equality in the body politick — and seemed to win.

But since 1980, cresting literally now, there has been a growing movement by the old “owners” of America, now aided by individuals and corporations of enormous wealth, to reassert their control. Now we also know that this control by extreme wealth includes burning Planet Earth for corporate profit.

But now this needs to be loudly spoken, not silently embodied.

The Shalom Center is a tax-exempt and donation-tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization. It is legally debarred from supporting or opposing candidates for election. Yet we are allowed and encouraged to discuss issues and to encourage people to vote.

So we will do both, keeping in mind that our Judaism is one in which “Justice, justice shall you pursue” and “Pursue peace, even run after it” are our keynotes for everything we do — ritual, actifests, Names of God, forms and times and people of prophecy, kashrut.

We intend to begin now by connecting with Get Out The Vote–Pennsylvania organizations. On the seventh day of the great Harvest festival, Sukkot (October 22-23, Hoshana Rabbah), we will make a special celebration of our GOTV–PA work and our joy in the onrushing election. We welcome your contributions to give this whole effort the “oomph” it deserves. You can donate (remember, tax-exempt) at theshalomcenter.org/donate.

Thanks, and blessings of shalom to you!
— Arthur